Martin Österdahl is the new Executive Supervisor for Eurovision
Martin Österdahl has been confirmed as the new Executive Supervisor for The Eurovision Song Contest. He will take over from Jon Ola Sand from Eurovision 2021 onwards.
Martin is not a new face to Eurovision, having had previous experience as Executive Supervisor for Eurovision 2013 and 2016, when they were held in Malmo and Stockholm respectively. He has also been a member of the reference group between 2012 and 2018.
Director of media for the EBU, Jean Philip De Tender and Chairperson for the ESC Reference Group, Dr Frank Dieter Freiling, who both played a part in the appointment of Martin as Executive Supervisor, had this to say:
"Martin is the perfect candidate to continue and build on the exceptional work done by Jon Ola Sand over the past decade. The Eurovision Song Contest has been transformed under Jon Ola’s guidance, setting new standards in world-class television production.
Martin is a great creative talent and has invaluable experience from his work as Executive Producer of two exceptional Contests and numerous other successful entertainment shows. He is an excellent leader and storyteller, which is core for us to work closely with EBU Members to develop and grow the world’s largest live music event in the next decade and beyond."
Martin, who appears very happy with his new role, had this to say:
"The Eurovision Song Contest is the world’s largest live music event and the longest-running show on television. Its ability to entertain and unite people across Europe and beyond is unique and something that should never be taken for granted.
I feel greatly honoured to be given the opportunity to strive for its continued evolvement and popularity into the future. I’m looking forward to joining the team in Geneva in May and can’t wait to get started."
The current Executive Supervisor, Jon Ola Sand, who will step down after Rotterdam 2020 has said:
"Ive been working alongside Martin Österdahl for many years. First at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 and then again in 2016 but also in the ESC Reference Group where Martin was a valued member for 7 years. I’m confident that the future of the Eurovision Song Contest is in very capable hands and that Martin is the right person to take this incredible show to the next level."
Martin will officially start his new job at the end of April 2020, where he will be the man in charge of both Eurovision and Junior Eurovision.
Who is Martin Österdahl?
Martin Österdahl was born in Sollentuna, Sweden. He studied at Adolf Fredrik's Music School before going onto Uppsala University where he studied Economics, Russian and Eastern European studies
He has worked for Swedish broadcaster SVT as a television producer between 2008 and 2014, as well as Programme Director and Commissioner of Entertainment & Sport for the broadcaster. During this time, he created many shows for the broadcaster, including: Mästarnas Mästare, Allt för Sverige and Skavlan.
Martin has also dabbled in writing, having written many novels and publishing his first book "Be inte om nåd", in 2016.
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