After more than a decade at SVT, the Swedish pubcaster’s current Head of Drama Commissioning Christian Wikander is joining Pinewood Television in London. As Pinewood Television’s new Co-production director, Wikander will steer the company’s international strategy, working with producers, broadcasters and OTT providers to develop, produce and finance high-end drama series. 

He will both source projects looking for finance and bring Pinewood’s projects to foreign partners. Wikander who joins Pinewood in October, will report to Pinewood Television’s Creative Director Helen Gregory and collaborate with Head of Development Louisa FitzGerald. 

Helen Gregory said: “Christian’s pedigree in creating and producing some of Scandinavia’s most popular long-running series as well as his experience in international co-production is exceptional and I’m thrilled he’s joining the team at Pinewood Television.” Wikander added: “I am very happy and proud to be joining Pinewood Television. It’s an exciting and challenging time for drama.”

Pinewood Television is a branch of the iconic Pinewood Studios, home of the James Bond franchise. On Friday the UK group announced it had agreed to go private after signing a £323m take over deal with asset management group Aermont Capital. The deal is set to finance the group’s ambitious expansion plans both in the UK and abroad. 

Wikander has been one of the driving forces behind the current boom in Scandinavian
TV drama, commissioning successful dramas such as Jordskott and Blue Eyes. 

Upcoming Swedish dramas set to air on SVT before the end of 2016 include Thicker than Water season 2, and Midnight Sun.