Jon Ola Sand, the Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor since 2011, has announced that the 2020 Contest will be his last in the role. As work continues on the 65th Contest, the EBU will conduct a selective search for Jon Ola’s successor.

Jon Ola will also leave the Head of Live Events post which oversees the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, Eurovision Young Musicians and Eurovision Choir competitions.

Following the 65th Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, Jon Ola will return to his native Norway to begin a new role at the head office of public broadcaster NRK, overseeing their new strategy to create a powerful, innovative and forward-looking organization.

“The past decade at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has been fantastic and exciting, but it will also be good to come home,” Jon Ola said.

“I have been involved with the Eurovision Song Contest for over 20 years. First as Head of Delegation for Norway, then as Executive Producer in Oslo in 2010 and I have been privileged to have been the captain of the ship in Geneva for the past 9 years.

“Rotterdam will be my 10th Contest as Executive Supervisor and it seems a good time to pass on the baton and take on a new challenge at NRK. In my new role I will work to ensure that NRK continues to be a world-class public broadcaster and will be in the best possible shape for the future.”

NRK DG Thor Gjermund Eriksen is pleased to welcome Jon Ola back to NRK: “It is brilliant that Jon Ola is coming home. With his background and vast experience, he will help develop NRK as a public broadcaster and production house and prepare us to move into our brand new home.”

Jon Ola Sand (© Thomas Hanses)

Over the past decade, Jon Ola Sand has become synonymous with the Eurovision Song Contest among the millions of viewers who have watched him begin the voting sequence with the iconic “take it away!”

This moment is the climax of a year’s dedicated work behind the scenes; ensuring the smooth transition between Host Broadcasters, guiding them through the production calendar and making sure that the world’s largest live music show continues to evolve and entertain audiences across the world.

Jon Ola Sand (© Elena Volotova (EBU))

“Jon Ola’s commitment and calm steady hand over the last decade has been invaluable to the EBU and its Members,” said Jean Philip De Tender, Director of Media at the EBU.

“He has overseen the growth and development of the Eurovision Song Contest over the past decade and created, together with EBU Members, the most advanced entertainment show in the world helping to safeguard the longevity of this much-loved show that unites audiences from across the globe.

“Jon Ola will now oversee his 10th Eurovision Song Contest for the EBU in Rotterdam before taking up his new role at NRK.”

As work continues on the 65th Contest, the EBU will now conduct a selective search for Jon Ola’s successor.