Sweden’s TV4 seeks drama chief as Piodor Gustafsson exits to return to production

Estonia (Source: Beta Film)

TV4’s head of drama, Piodor Gustafsson, is stepping down from the Swedish commercial broadcaster after three years in the role.

Gustafsson is returning to production but will remain an advisor for the Telia-owned broadcaster.

TV4’s head of production, Johanna Lind, is to take interim charge while a successor to Gustafsson is sought.

During his time in charge, TV4’s output has included international coproduction Estonia and Cry Wolf (Vargasommar), as well as long-running series such as The Sandhamn Murders and Solsidan.

Gustafsson, who will work on projects via his label Black Spark Film & TV, said: “The drama department is well equipped for new digital challenges with a strong, knowledgeable and well-knit group, which is why it was an easy decision to change my role and hand over the leadership to Johanna Lind, who will become acting head of drama.

“I have great confidence in Johanna who, together with me, rebuilt and built up the drama department to what it is today. Johanna has great integrity and a clear and empathetic leadership. I cannot think of a better replacement.”

TV4 unveiled plans in August to cut around 100 jobs from is workforce amid a tightening advertising market, but Gustafsson’s exit is not believed to be tied to those moves.

Earlier this year, Telia closed its C More pay TV operation and merged its content with relaunched streamer TV4 Play.