SF Studios CEO Steps Down Amidst Allegations
Jonas Fors of SF Studios, formerly known as Svensk Filmindustri, has been removed from the post of CEO following allegations that the company is guilty of sexism and lavish corporate spending.
The controversy began last week when director Hannes Holm claimed that SF Studios were taking 30% of production budgets as profit and said: “I have never seen the likes of such a poorly managed company… I would rather work with a production company that has Donald Duck as CEO.”
As the week progressed there were further revelations and allegations directed at SF Studios including the mass defection of women from the company, criticism of a sexist culture, and lavish spending at Cannes, including the rental of a luxury yacht which is alleged to be part owned by chairman Mikael Lövgren.
Ulrika Saxon, who represents Bonnier on the board of directors for SF Studios, said: “For Bonnier as majority owner, we have come to the conclusion that, considering the current situation, Jonas Fors can no longer successfully serve as leader for SF Studios.”
“In recent days, harsh criticism has been levelled against SF Studios regarding the company’s corporate culture, in particular in connection with gender equality, as well as regarding the company’s conduct at the film festival in Cannes and the company’s business model for its film and TV productions.”
“We take the criticism very seriously. In terms of SF Studios corporate culture, two images of the company stand diametrically opposed to each other, especially concerning gender equality.”
“On one side, 60 percent of the company’s employees are women, the executive management team is evenly divided between men and women, and there are women in a number of the most central leadership positions.”
“On the other side are accusations of sexism. In order to get to the facts concerning the company’s work culture, we will be bringing in a third party to conduct a thorough survey among SF Studios employees.”
Frida Westerberg, deputy CEO and chief operating officer, has taken over as acting CEO of the company as it searches for a replacement.