SF Studios hires Jarowskij chief Iréne Lindblad as new CEO

Iréne Lindblad

SF Studios, the Bonnier–owned Nordic producer and distributor, has appointed Iréne Lindblad as CEO, following the exit of Michael Porseryd earlier this year.

Lindblad takes over the role on 16 October, and joins from her current role as CEO of Jarowskij, the Banijay Nordic label behind scripted and non-scripted series including A Class Apart, Climate Bootcamp, Black Lake and Welcome Yo Sweden. She has served as CEO of Jarowskij for 11 years and prior to that was program director at MTG.

Lindblad’s appointment comes after former SF Studios chief Michael Porseryd stepped down after six years in the role in January 2023 in joint agreement with the board. Jan Bernhardsson, who assumed the role as acting CEO during the search for a new chief, now resumes his role as SF Studios chairman.

“Iréne Lindblad has a background that makes her an excellent fit as CEO of SF Studios. She is a recognized leader with experience in both film production and distribution, and as a buyer of content. SF Studios is a long-term player in the Nordic market, and Iréne, who has a deep understanding of the industry, is the right person to lead the business,” said Bernhardsson.

SF Studios is one of the world’s oldest film companies and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. The company is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden and has offices in Oslo, Copenhagen, Helsinki and London, producing and distributing feature films and TV series as well as streamer SF Kids alongside SF Anytime.

Erik Haegerstrand, CEO of Bonnier Group, which owns SF Studios, and who has served as chairman of the board during Bernhardsson’s time as acting CEO, will remain a member of the board. In addition, two new members will be elected to the board of SF Studios; Casten Almqvist, formerly CEO of Bonnier Broadcasting, and Sara Börsvik, CFO of Epidemic Sound and former CEO of Bonnierförlagen.