Allan Sperling, a former executive at MultiChoice and Viacom, has been appointed as the Group Vice President of Programming, Networks, and Streaming for WBD Nordics, effective December 2.
He will start his new role in Stockholm in January.
In this position, Sperling will oversee strategic program planning and operations across WBD’s offerings in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. He will develop local Nordic productions for the streamer Max and curate content tailored to local audiences. This appointment signals WBD’s renewed commitment to original productions in the Nordic region, a shift from the previous strategy in 2022 that saw a reduction in HBO Max originals amid a broader restructuring. Recently, WBD Nordics had begun exploring unscripted content, but sources indicate that Sperling’s hiring opens up avenues for more scripted programming.
Christina Sulebakk, EVP and Managing Director of WBD Nordics confirmed the local corporate structure in a memo to staff, mentioning that former Head of Channels Graham Lafferty has moved to a new role as SVP, Content Strategy and Networks for the UK & Ireland. Sulebakk also expressed gratitude for Lafferty’s significant contributions to the Nordics.
With over twenty years in the industry, Sperling has held prominent positions at Showmax, MultiChoice, and Viacom in various locations, including South Africa, London, and Amsterdam. Most recently, he served as Showmax’s Executive Vice President of Content, where he commissioned successful shows like Deadline’s Global Breakout series, DAM.
A spokesperson from Showmax noted that Nicola van Niekerk has been acting as Head of Content since April while also serving as EVP at MultiChoice.
Sulebakk remarked on Sperling’s extensive expertise and international leadership experience, highlighting their significance in driving growth and innovation within WBD’s Nordic operations. She emphasised that Sperling’s strategic vision for Max’s channels and local production initiatives would greatly benefit the company in the evolving media landscape.
Sperling expressed his enthusiasm for the role: “I am excited to join Warner Bros. Discovery and contribute to its prestigious legacy by delivering exceptional content and innovative programming that resonates with our Nordic audiences. I look forward to working with the talented teams across the region to enhance our local production capabilities and better serve our viewers.”
This announcement follows the news that MultiChoice CEO Marc Jury will be departing the company in March. The Danish government has also introduced plans for a US$17.5M production rebate to incentivise more TV and film shoots in Denmark, highlighting its intent to become more competitive in the region’s production landscape.
