Discovery Nordic chief leaves company

Harald Strømme

Discovery’s Norway and Sweden boss Harald Stromme has left the company amid reports of a disagreement about the direction of the business in those territories. Regional digital chief Sindre Østgård has also stepped down after less than a year in his role.

The news broke in the local press yesterday, with reports variously citing a disagreement between the outgoing execs and company owners.

“Discovery is well positioned for the future, but the owners and I have different views on what steps are now needed to achieve success,” Stromme told Kampanje.

Discovery confirmed the double exit, but said that he leaves on good terms.

“Harald has done an extraordinary job for this company, both as CEO for Norway and in running our business in Sweden,” Mike Lang, president, international development, digital and Discovery Nordics, said.

Langook overall control of the Nordics last November.

Speaking about Stromme’s departure, he added: “We are sad to see him go, but respect his decision. Harald and his team have taken TVNorge and Discovery from being a small player to being one of the largest and most successful TV companies in Norway.

“We are grateful for his many contributions and leadership, and we wish him all the best”, said Michael Lang, President, International Development, Digital and Discovery Nordics.

Sindre Østgård joined Discovery last August from Norwegian pubcaster NRK.

Stromme took control of DNI’s Swedish operations last year after the April resignation of CEO Jonas Sjogren. In Norway, Stromme oversaw a restructure last year that resulted in several job losses.

Stromme and Østgård’s next moves are not known.