Martti Berner Appointed CEO of Ahlbäck Agency

Martii Berner has been appointed CEO of the Helsinki-based Ahlbäck Agency, effective October 1. In his new role, Berner will lead the agency’s growth in representing authors, screenwriters, and directors across Finland and other Nordic countries, per an announcement. Elina Ahlbäck, the company’s founder and majority shareholder, will continue as an active agent and board member, while also handling author and talent relations.

“I am excited to take the authors, screenwriters, and directors we represent to even wider international markets,” Berner said in a statement. “Finnish storytelling is unique and generates great interest around the world. Together with the Ahlbäck Agency team, we are proud to be able to share such valuable and important culture worldwide.”

Berner’s appointment follows the company’s recent renaming from Elina Ahlbäck Literary Agency to the new Ahlbäck Agency. Under the restructuring, the agency’s audiovisual expertise will be enhanced by the addition of film and TV professional Anna Lujanen as a shareholder and business advisor. Literary agents Noora Al-Ani and Satu Sallantaus will continue their work with the agency.