After six successful years with the Göteborg International Film Festival Svante Hjertén is moving on to other assignments leaving his position as the festival’s CEO.

New CEO of the Göteborg International Film Festival will be Åsa Larsson, with a background in journalism, she has worked with the festival since 1994.

- Ever since I started volunteering for the festival as a student I’m hooked. The films, the guests, all the events surrounding the festival and the fantastic audience makes Göteborg International Film Festival one of the most rewarding places I could ever imagine working in. With the festival’s 30th anniversary coming up I’m looking forward to be a part of managing all the good ideas that characterize a truly interesting festival, says Åsa Larsson, leaving her current position as head of the press department, CFO and film fund coordinator to take over as CEO.

- Svante Hjertén has been doing a fantastic job with the festival. When Åsa Larsson takes over it secures the important continuity and we are very happy that she has taken on the challenge of making a good festival even better, says Sven-Olof Bodenfors, chairman of the Göteborg International Film Festival Board.

– I feel very comfortable in knowing the people I will be working with. Both the employees of the festival and the board members hold a great deal of experience and knowledge that will help develop the festival in the future. My role will be to utilize this in the best possible way, says Åsa Larsson.

Åsa Larsson will take up her position October 1st working together with Svante Hjertén until the turn of the year.

The 30:e edition of the Göteborg International Film Festival will take place January 26 – February 5 2007.