Martin Österdahl is to step down from his role as Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) and Junior Eurovision Song Contest (JESC) after five years overseeing the world’s largest music event.
Appointed in 2020, Österdahl’s spell in charge included the staging of the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the hosting of the 2023 Contest by the BBC in Liverpool on behalf of 2022’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s Suspilne, and this year’s edition hosted by SRG SSR in Basel.
During his time, the Eurovision Song Contest has implemented changes to such as advancing digital engagement and deepening its commitment to inclusivity across Europe.
Before his appointment as ESC Executive Supervisor, Österdahl, was twice the Executive Producer of the Contest (2013, 2016) and a member of the ESC Reference Group for seven years.
Martin Green, who was appointed Director of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024, will assume the Executive Supervisor’s duties on an interim basis.
Österdahl said: “The ESC is now an event where hundreds of thousands sign up to buy tickets, a show watched by hundreds of millions, connecting with youth audiences worldwide, and stands as a unique platform for overnight global success for artists and songwriters.
Green commented: “On behalf of everyone at the EBU, all our participating broadcasters, partners and the entire Eurovision Song Contest community, I extend my sincere thanks to Martin Österdahl for his vision, expertise and tireless commitment to the event. His steady leadership through some of the Contest’s most challenging and innovative years has set new standards of excellence.”
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