Martin Österdahl will be stepping down as the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest. Eurovision Director Martin Green will temporary fill the role until a successor is found.
Martin Österdahl proud of changes to Eurovision format
In a press release given by the EBU, the union confirmed that after serving five years as Executive Supervisor, Martin Österdahl would step back from his role. Previously, Österdahl had served on the Reference Group, making key decisions on the show’s structure. He also had the chance to work as the Executive Producer of the Contest in 2013 and 2016.
Speaking on his time working on the Contest, Martin said he was happy with how he was able to shape the show. He explained:
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.
I am immensely proud of the changes we made to modernize and strengthen the Eurovision Song Contest. These include establishing the permanent “United By Music” slogan for the event, attracting long term sponsors and brand extension partnerships, and growing engagement and reach on our digital platforms that have brought millions of new fans to the Contest.
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.
He added that with nearly twenty years of experience under his belt at the Contest, he said it was an “honour” to serve the Eurovision Song Contest. He ended by thanking the Core Team of the Contest, as well as the ESC community itself.
Process begins to find successor
Österdahl will no longer serve in his position from the summer onwards. This now means that the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will be the first Eurovision event without Martin at the helm. Martin Green, working as the Eurovision Director, will temporarily fill his position. A new Executive Supervisor will be announced in due course.
In a statement, Green said of his counterpart:
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. As we approach our 70th anniversary next year, Martin is leaving his role having played an integral part in growing the Eurovision Song Contest brand and ensuring its bright future.
We thank him for his amazing work and lasting impact on the Song Contest, and wish him every success.
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News Source: EBU
Photo Credit: Jessica Gow / TT
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