SRG SSR’s Development director will leave the company in November, but will remain in externally mandated roles, including chairing the Eurovision Song Contest reference group, until the middle of next year.
Walden leaves broadcaster after 12 years
Following over a decade at the broadcaster, seven years of which were spent as part of its executive board, Walden has made the decision to leave SRG SSR, saying:
The opportunity to take on responsibility during these challenging years of SRG’s transformation was a great privilege. I look back with joy and pride on the time with numerous intensive and disruptive projects and, above all, on the collaboration with my fantastic team. But consistent change is not only important for a company, but also for me to keep moving. Therefore, the time has now come for me to initiate a career change. Today, however, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the entire SRG team for the time we spent together.
He has been Chair of the EBU’s Eurovision Reference Group since 2023, and will see out the remainder of his term until after the 2025 contest.
Position not being replaced
Whilst Severine Schori-Vogt will be filling in as the Head Development Officer on an interim basis, the broadcaster currently has no plans to replace Walden, with the decision as to whether the role will be replaced in the management structure being made at a later date.
Switzerland’s Eurovision Journey
Switzerland both hosted and debuted in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. Their first participation was successful, as they won with Lys Assia’s “Refrain”. Since then, they have participated on 63 occasions, making the Grand Final 52 times.
Switzerland’s most recent participation saw them being represented by Nemo with their song “The Code”. Performing in the second semi-final, they qualified for the Grand Final for a fifth consecutive participation. At the end of voting in the final, it was revealed Switzerland had won the Contest. Nemo scored 365 points with the national juries, as well as 226 points with the televote. The overall winning score for “The Code” was 591 points. This win marks Switzerland’s third win in the contest following on from Lys Assia in 1956 and Celine Dion in 1988.
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News Source: SRG SSR
Photo Credit: SRG SSR
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