Supreme Commander Michael Claesson has appointed Major General Johan Pekkari as the new Chief of Army. He will take up the position on 28 August.
Since the establishment of the Swedish Defence Staff (Försvarsstaben) in 2023, Johan Pekkari has served as Head of the Strategy Unit, FST STRA. He succeeds Brigadier General Per Nilsson, who has served as acting Chief of Army since June. Per Nilsson will continue in his regular position as Deputy Chief of Army.
"I look forward to returning to the Army and, together with its personnel, taking on the branch's important tasks," says Johan Pekkari, according to the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten).
Johan Pekkari will be succeeded as Head of FST STRA by Brigadier General Andreas Odung, who currently serves as Deputy Head of the unit. Andreas Odung will be promoted to Major General on 31 August.
Brigadier General Michael Carlén is stepping down from his role as Commander of the 1st Division and will take up the position of Deputy Head of FST STRA on 14 September. Colonel Magnus Frykvall has been appointed the new Commander of the 1st Division effective 13 September, and will be promoted to Brigadier General in connection with this appointment.