BBC Studios Nordic Production has reshaped its leadership in Denmark and Norway, with new managing directors appointed in both markets and a senior development hire in Oslo.
In Denmark, current Chief Operating Officer Jens Villebro will become Managing Director from 1 December 2025, succeeding Daniel Svarts, who has overseen the build-out of the Danish business. Villebro will retain his Nordic COO remit alongside Chief Financial Officer Kent Pedersen, while the company is now recruiting a Programme Director to support further growth.
In Norway, Mirja Minjares, currently Head of Entertainment, has been promoted to Managing Director, also effective 1 December 2025. She will lead BBC Studios’ Norwegian production business “into its next phase” following a period in which she has been closely involved in shaping its entertainment slate.
From 1 January 2026, the Norwegian team will be joined by Hans Lukas Hansen as Head of Development. Hansen brings senior experience across reality and entertainment, including NRK’s Code Red – The Lighthouse and local versions of X Factor, Idol and Got Talent. He will work with Minjares to drive development and sales in entertainment and reality formats.
Jacob De Boer, Executive Vice President, Global Production at BBC Studios, said the moves underline the company’s commitment to nurturing internal talent and investing in its three local Nordic production businesses. BBC Studios Nordic Production is currently expanding its slate, with Verdens Verste Publikum (Silence is Golden) set to launch on NRK in early 2026, a new NRK reality series in pre-production for May 2026, and youth drama Klassen – The First Years recommissioned in Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
