After record-breaking ratings and bold reforms, Eurovision’s Executive Supervisor steps down ahead of the 70th anniversary—raising crucial questions about the contest’s future leadership and direction.
In mid-summer 2025, Martin Österdahl announced he would be stepping down from his role as Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest and Junior Eurovision Song Contest, following five years that marked a digital transformation, deep administrative reforms, and unforgettable milestones. His dramatic resignation shakes the European entertainment industry and has direct implications for Eurovision’s future as the contest nears its 70th anniversary.
What Happened and Why It Matters
Amid the backdrop of Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Martin Österdahl—who had served as Executive Supervisor since 2021—announced the end of his tenure.
He oversaw landmark events: Rotterdam during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021), the unprecedented hosting of Eurovision by the BBC in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine (2023), the infamous Malmö edition (2024), and the record-breaking contest in Basel (2025). Österdahl spearheaded bold initiatives, including a major push toward digital engagement, the “United By Music” campaign, and forging long-term brand partnerships.
Broad Impact and Future Prospects
His resignation comes just before the Eurovision 70th anniversary and sets the stage for a new organizational shift. Martin Green, appointed Director of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024, will temporarily assume the Executive Supervisor’s duties. This marks a transition to a more strategic managerial structure, alongside an expanded Reference Group and stronger frameworks for safeguarding artists’ and audiences’ rights.
The move could phase out the previous hierarchical model in favor of a flexible and collaborative governance style—better suited for today’s technological, social, and political realities.
Martin Österdahl’s Response
In an official statement following the announcement from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Martin Österdahl shared his personal reflections as he concluded his tenure. He said he had been captivated from the very beginning by the contest’s unique potential to unite people through music — especially in 2021, when he helped bring Eurovision back live to millions around the globe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Österdahl emphasized his pride in the reforms he led: the adoption of the permanent “United by Music” slogan, the expansion of commercial brand partnerships, and a deep dive into digital engagement — all of which significantly increased the contest’s reach among young audiences and across social platforms.
He further noted that under his leadership, the Eurovision Song Contest evolved into an event where hundreds of thousands register for tickets and hundreds of millions tune in — a rare global platform capable of launching artists and songwriters to overnight stardom. After nearly two decades of involvement, Österdahl concluded that it had been the honor of his professional life to lead the world’s largest music competition and develop it into a global superbrand that brings joy to millions. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the entire Eurovision community, and especially to the core team, national broadcasters, artists, and fans — for their passion, dedication, and unwavering support throughout the years.
The Context: A Reformist Era
Österdahl’s tenure, beginning in 2020, launched a new chapter in Eurovision history: implementing a safe and accessible contest during the pandemic, while promoting lower participation costs for countries with limited budgets.
This period also saw increased attention to artist welfare policies, particularly following notorious incidents during Eurovision 2024, which prompted a re-evaluation of ethical standards, conduct protocols, and the temporary creation of a role dedicated to contestant experience.
Expert Analysis and Historical Parallels
For decades, key figures such as Jon Ola Sand held the Executive Supervisor post, which has since evolved beyond technical oversight into domains of finance, branding, safety, and digital infrastructure. The growing demand for structural change—especially after the turbulent Malmö 2024 edition—highlighted the need for a Director-level role focused on transparency and crisis management.
This latest change represents a shift to a modular leadership model, where planning and accountability are shared, replacing the legacy of centralized control.
What Comes Next?
Österdahl’s departure opens the door for a broad reorganization within Eurovision’s leadership framework. A multi-layered governance structure is expected to emerge, where the Director’s role is empowered and a new commercial manager may be appointed. Such a model could enhance financial transparency and expand the contest’s brand—a continuation of Österdahl’s strategic legacy.
On the audience side, Eurovision is likely to double down on immersive viewing experiences and younger demographics. Technologies like augmented reality (AR), smart simultaneous translation (SRT), and personalized live broadcasts—first introduced in Basel 2025—are expected to become standard in the contest’s next chapter.
Eurovision 2025: The 69th Eurovision Song Contest was held in the city of Basel, Switzerland, on May 13, 15, and 17. This was the third time Switzerland hosted the competition, the last being in 1989 in Lausanne. The host venue was St. Jakobshalle, with a capacity of 12,400. This was Basel’s first time hosting the contest.
