New CEO for TV4

STOCKHOLM: Casten Almqvist has been appointed as the new CEO for Sweden’s TV4 Group, succeeding Jan Scherman, who is taking on a larger role at parent company Bonnier Broadcasting.

Almqvist takes on leadership of the Swedish broadcasting group January 1, 2012. He is currently heading up another division of Bonnier—Bonnier Business Press and Bonnier Digital. "This is a great solution for the TV4 Group," said Torsten Larsson, CEO for Bonnier Broadcasting and chairman of the board of TV4 AB. "After an extensive search for the strongest candidate, I’m convinced that Casten Almqvist’s broad experience within the TV industry and other media operations makes him the right person for the job."

Almqvist commented, "TV4 has a unique position among Swedish audiences, created by employees and management through providing really good programs. Furthermore, the TV4 Group has been developed into a well-managed and modern company with over 40 TV channels, pay TV and premium digital services. I can’t think of anything more exciting than to keep up the impressive work."

Current CEO Jan Scherman is moving on to become VP for Bonnier Broadcasting, with responsibility for content, strategy and coordination of the company’s overall Nordic TV assets, including Finland’s MTV Media, together with CEO Torsten Larsson.

"After 21 years at TV4, including ten as the CEO, it’s time now for someone else to take over, and I take comfort in that it will be Casten Almqvist," says Scherman. "At the same time, I’m proud that together with all my co-workers I’ve been able to turn TV4 from a single, vulnerable TV channel into the Nordic region’s leading TV company, with an impressive breadth and variety. I look forward to exciting times in my new role within Bonnier Broadcasting, where I’ll have lots of challenging work ahead."