BBC Studios makes triple appointment in Nordics

BBC Studios has rejigged its operations in the Nordics with three senior appointments, following the exit of regional managing director Daniel Svarts.

Jens Villebro, who had been chief operating officer at BBC Studios Nordic Productions, will become managing director for Denmark from 1 December.

He retains his chief operating officer remit and will work alongside chief financial officer, Kent Pedersen.

Villebro succeeds Svarts, who became managing director for BBC Studios Nordic Productions after it acquired regional production firm STV in 2023. His next move is not yet known.

A programme director for Denmark is also being sought, who will work closely with Villebro and the wider team.

In Norway, Mirja Minjares has been appointed managing director, also effective from 1 December.

Minjares has been head of entertainment for Norway since joining earlier this year and will oversee all production business in the country.

Also joining the Norwegian team on the 1 January is Hans Lukas Hansen, who will become head of development.

Lukas Hansen, who has worked on shows including NRK’s reality series Code Red - The Lighthouse, will work with Minjares to drive development and sales across entertainment and reality.

Jacob De Boer, executive vice president of global production at BBC Studios, said the appointments “reflect our commitment to nurturing team members as well as investing in growing our three local production businesses.”

BBC Studios Nordic Production is behind shows including Verdens Verste Publikum (Silence is Golden), which will launch on NRK in early 2026, and an untitled reality show for the Norwegian pubcaster.

Youth drama Klassen- The First Years has also been recommissioned for new seasons in Denmark, Sweden and Norway.