Banijay Nordic Confirms Hanne Palmquist’s Decision to Step Down as CEO of Filmlance

Stockholm, 7 October 2024: Banijay Nordic today confirms Hanne Palmquist has taken the decision to step down from her role as CEO to concentrate on a more balanced lifestyle after 14 years of continued overseas travel. The group also announces Helena Åkerman will subsequently depart from her role as COO, with the pair remaining in posts until the end of the year to facilitate a smooth transition period for the label.

Filmlance stands as one of the Nordic region’s most respected production companies, known for high-quality, emotionally rich storytelling and strong creative partnerships. Under Palmquist’s expert leadership and creative vision, the label has most recently delivered Fallen, a gripping drama showcasing long-standing talent relationships, long-running successes like Beck and The Sandhamn Murders, and genre-defining titles such as Top Dog, Taelgia and Ronja the Robbers Daughter. Of late, Filmlance has even made recent moves into comedy with Popular Problems, whilst maintaining its international reputation in the premium crime-drama space with titles like My Brother.

Hanne Palmquist, CEO Filmlance comments: “After five years as CEO of Filmlance International, and more than 14 years working abroad, I’ve decided to step down in pursuit of a better life balance for me and my family. While commuting weekly between Sweden and Denmark has been rewarding, after so many years it naturally weighs on everyday life. Filmlance is a truly unique company and I’m very proud of the high-quality titles we have delivered continuously. A heartfelt thank you to all you talented creators, to the best collaborators – and not least to the wonderful Filmlance-team. A special thanks to Helena for her excellent and highly professional work. It’s genuinely been a joy and an honour. Now it’s time for new adventures.”

Jacob Houlind, CEO of Banijay Nordic adds: “Filmlance has truly thrived under Hanne’s leadership. Her creative influence and ability to promote and nurture captivating stories have shaped the label into a significant force in the region’s drama landscape. Under her leadership, together with Helena, the company has produced extraordinary works like Ronja, extended long-running series such as Fallen, Beck and The Sandhamn Murders, and made recent strides into comedy. I want to deeply thank Hanne and Helena for their immense dedication, perseverance, and innovation. Their unwavering support, exceptional talent, and visionary ideas have inspired the business we see today. I wish them all the best as they step into their next chapters.”

Banijay Nordic’s label portfolio also includes Jarowskij/Yellowbird, Rubicon and Banijay Finland, and these companies are behind titles like Wallander, Diary of a Ditched Girl, Billionaire’s Island, Still Breathing, Supporting Actor and Murder in Hanko.
Succession planning is currently underway for a new CEO for Filmlance following the news of Palmquist’s decision to step down.