Martin Österdahl is to step down from his role as Eurovision’s executive supervisor, after five years in the job.
The announcement was made by the EBU on Friday afternoon.
Österdahl held the role for five Eurovision editions – in Rotterdam, Turin, Liverpool, Malmô and Basel, as well as five editions of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
“Under his leadership, the Eurovision Song Contest has implemented changes to modernize the Contest and extend its reach – including advancing digital engagement and deepening its commitment to inclusivity and creativity across Europe and beyond – ensuring the event has continued to grow in popularity and relevance,” the EBU said.
“From day one, I was inspired by the Contest’s unique potential and power to unite people through music—never more so than in 2021, when we brought Eurovision back live to millions around the world amid a global pandemic, demonstrating the resilience and spirit at the heart of our community,” Österdahl said, reflecting on his time in the role.
“I am immensely proud of the changes we made to modernise and strengthen the Eurovision Song Contest… As my overall involvement with the ESC is now approaching a period of twenty years in total, it has been the honour of my professional life to steer the world’s largest music event.”
Writing on Instagram, Österdahl added “no one owns the Eurovision Song Contest, we simply look after it for a while and for generations to come.”
Martin Green, the Eurovision director, will assume Österdahl’s responsibilities in an interim basis, until a successor is appointed.
Reacting to the announcement, Green thanked Österdahl for his “amazing work and lasting impact” on the Contest.
Picture: Corinne Cunming / EBU
