Following Switzerland’s triumphant victory at Eurovision 2024, the preparations for hosting the 2025 contest are in full swing. Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR has officially announced the core team responsible for bringing the 69th Eurovision Song Contest to life. This team, composed of experienced Swiss and international professionals, will oversee every aspect of the event to ensure it is a spectacular success.
Executive Producers: Reto Peritz and Moritz Stadler
Reto Peritz, 51, is the Director of Entertainment at SRF, the largest electronic media house in German-speaking Switzerland. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the head of the Swiss Eurovision delegation from 2016 to 2021 and a member of the Eurovision Reference Group from 2019 to 2021.
Moritz Stadler, 38, is the Head of Operations at RTS, the French-speaking Swiss channel, and a former employee of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). His extensive background in media operations will be instrumental in managing the complex logistics of the contest.
Key Team Members
Christer Björkman – Head of Contest:
A renowned Swedish TV producer, Björkman has been pivotal in shaping the modern Eurovision format, particularly through his work with “Melodifestivalen” and his role in producing Eurovision editions in 2016 and 2019. He will coordinate and produce the entries from all participating nations.
Yves Schifferle – Head of Show:
Formerly the Head of the Show desk at SRF’s Entertainment department and Switzerland’s Head of Delegation, Schifferle will oversee the creation and realization of content for all three Eurovision shows, including the flag parade, postcards, and voting procedure.
Bernhard Spahni – Head of PMO (Project Management Office):
With a background in event management at Farner Emotions and Red Bull, and currently at the International Olympic Committee, Spahni will manage project operations for Eurovision 2025.
Tobias Åberg – Head of Production:
Åberg has significant experience in Eurovision production, having worked on the contests in 2013, 2016, and 2023. He will be responsible for technical production, stage construction, infrastructure, and IT.
Nadja Burkhardt-Tracol – Head of Event:
Formerly an Event Supervisor with the EBU and Special Event Manager in Geneva, Burkhardt-Tracol will be the primary contact for the host city, managing relations between the city and the production team.
Aurore Chatard – Head of Security:
A security expert with experience at the Norwegian Refugee Council and RTS, Chatard will ensure the safety and security of the event.
Kevin Stuber – Head of Legal:
A lawyer with SRG General Management, Stuber will handle all legal matters related to Eurovision 2025.
Thomas Pittino – Head of Marketing & Funding:
Currently the Head of Sponsorship at SRF, Pittino will develop and implement marketing and funding strategies for the event.
Nicole Beutler – Head of Public Affairs:
Beutler, a public affairs specialist, will manage public affairs and communications for Eurovision 2025.
Manfred Winz – Head of Finance:
As Deputy Chief Procurement Officer at SRG’s General Management team, Winz will oversee the financial aspects of the event.
Vassilis Donikian – Head of HR:
With a background in various HR roles at SRF and the City of Zurich’s Social Services Department, Donikian will manage human resources for the contest.
Henriette Engbersen – Public Value:
Engbersen, the Head of the Public Value team at SRG, will ensure the event delivers public value.
Till Jendly – Assistant:
Joining from the biotech company CSL Behring, Jendly will assist with various aspects of the Eurovision project.
With this highly experienced team, Switzerland is well-prepared to host an unforgettable Eurovision Song Contest in 2025. The host city is yet to be announced, with Basel, Bern/Biel, Geneva, and Zurich all in contention. The decision is expected in August.
