Board and founders

To reach their full potential

Amerikanska Gymnasiet was founded in 2015 and is a values-driven, educationally focused organization independent of political and religious interests.

The board consists of school leaders and entrepreneurs with a strong commitment to educational development. We continuously work to develop teaching, school culture, and the learning environment in order to provide both students and staff with the best possible conditions to reach their full potential.

Tony Ekström

Has worked in education since 1996. The architect behind the concept for Nya Skolan that today operates several pre-schools and primary schools in Sweden. Since the beginning of 2001 he has held posts of teacher, principal, school manager and managing director. He is chairperson of the board for Nya Skolan Sverige AB. Chairperson of the board for Intopa Holding AB and has held several positions on club boards. Co-founder of four companies in various sectors.

Qualifications: Degree in education from Karlstad University (1996) and diploma for school principals, University of Gothenburg (2007). Diploma personal coach (2011).

Peter Heddelin

Has more than 25 years of experience in the education sector and has served as a principal, school leader, and head of education since 2009 within both municipal and independent schools. Has held leadership positions within AcadeMedia as well as within municipal education, including roles such as Regional Director and Director of Operations with responsibility for multiple upper secondary schools.

Began his journey in education as a substitute teacher in 1998 and worked for many years as a music teacher alongside academic studies and other professional assignments.

Qualifications: Degree from MI, Los Angeles (1997), Luleå University of Technology (2003), Kristianstad University Sweden (2007) and diploma for school principals, Karlstad University (2012), Swedish National Training Programme for School Directors (2024).

Patrik Bäckander

Experience from manufacturing industry in USA and Sweden 1986-2010 and has held managerial positions since 1994. Author of four patents 1992-2009. Founded his first company in 1994, a pre-school that grew to become Nya Skolan AB, with several pre-schools and primary schools in Sweden today. He went on to found over ten new companies in a number of different fields. Part-owner of Västkustens Affärsänglar AB.

Qualifications: Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Chalmers University of Technology.

Christian Eriksson

Co-founder of Wallstreet Media AB and Vizazi Invest AB. He has invested in a number of advertising and media companies and he has long experience of entrepreneurship and sales.

Qualifications: Diploma from IHM Business School in Gothenburg.

Göran Grell

30 years experience in leadership and as board member in various industries, such as CEO for two listed companies: Moment Group AB and Ticket Travel Group AB, board membership in for instance GeKås in Ullared AB, Arken Zoo AB, RESIA AB, Mäklarringen AB, UF (Young entrepreneurship). Passionate about entrepreneurship, business, young persons’ development no matter background.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting – University of Gothenburg, Senior High-school, Beloit, WI, USA.