The former Chief Administrative Officer at the City of Reykjavik has joined the Icelandic public broadcaster March 1st.

Eiríksson takes over from Magnús Geir Þórðarson, who was appointed Director of the National Theatre on November 1st. Margrét Magnúsdóttir acted as interim Director General since November 15, 2019. 

A trained lawyer, Eiríksson has worked for more than a decade as a manager of public sector agencies. Before joining the City of Reykjavík in December 2016, he was head of the capital region’s police force.

A total of 41 candidates applied for the job of Director General at RÚV, which runs for a five-year period. According to a statement from the Board, candidates were assessed based on “their knowledge, experience, and suitability in management and operations to lead RÚV during rapidly changing times in the media industry.”

Eiríksson’s predecessor Magnús Geir Þórðarson had introduced a new strategy for RÚV for 2017-2021, focusing on a major drive in drama production, upgraded services for young people, closer collaboration with the creative arts and more in-depth news coverage.

RÚV’s current director of programmes and head of drama is Skarphéðinn Guðmundsson.