Through her various roles over many years, Eva Swartz Grimaldi has left a deep impression on Swedish media and cultural life, not least in television.
– Eva has meant an awful lot to TV4 and also to me personally. There are many of us who have had her as a wise mentor through our years in the media industry and owe her a lot. She was a true humanist who was always positive and forward-looking. My thoughts are with Salvatore and all her relatives right now. Eva will be greatly missed by many, says Fredrik Arefalk, TV4’s channel and content director.
Was recruited during a dinner for TV4
In 1987, Eva started at Voff Tele where she produced TV3’s very earliest programs. In 1990 she became an editor on the TV4 production Jeopardy at Meter Film and Television. She stayed there for seven years as producer, television manager and CEO.
In 1998 she left Meter and became head of entertainment and drama at TV4. During her time as head of entertainment, the channel invested in formats that became long-lasting hits such as “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and “The Farm”.
In January 2002, she became program director and vice president at TV4. She was recruited during a dinner at a restaurant in Söder, by Jan Scherman, for many years CEO of TV4 but then program director. In a personal chronicle, he describes a long professional relationship that grew into deep friendship.
“Eva was constantly curious about She constantly wanted to know more. It sounds easy and lovely, but was challenging at times. Eva always carried a questioning attitude. Difficult questions rattled around her. It was not enough to say in the world of television language that a program investment would be “thunder”. Eva wanted to know why, how, at what price and why several more times. Nothing was so good that it couldn’t be better.”
Passed over to the culture
After many years, Eva left the television world for books and culture. In 2005, she became CEO of the book publisher Nature & Culture. She has also been chairman of the board of the publishing house Nordstedt, and board member of Storytel, the Swedish Film Institute and Nobel media, to name a few of all the board assignments.
On 28 June 2007, she was appointed by Culture Minister Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth as chairman of the inquiry into the future of cultural policy in Sweden.
In 2021, Eva Swarts Grimaldi was also awarded the Gold Club, which is an annual award for meritorious chairmanship instituted by Deloitte and the StyrelseAkademien. Then for his mission for Apotea Holdin.
Last year, SBB announced that board member Eva Swartz Grimaldi is leaving with immediate effect due to health reasons. She then told herself that she was being treated for a serious illness.
Now she has fallen asleep and the family, who wish to mourn in peace, write:
“Our beloved Eva Swartz Grimaldi, 68 years old, has peacefully fallen asleep at home surrounded by her loved ones after a long illness. Eva has been extremely loved and has been active right up to the end and has shown the primal strength with which she lived life. It is an unimaginable sadness that she has left us, but we will remember her joy in life, love and care and carry it with us in missing her.”
The accolades from the media industry and the business world are now numerous. Eva Swartz Grimaldi has influenced the development of cultural Sweden – on several levels. A lifetime achievement that lives on. Some of the voices:
Amelia Adamo, newspaper queen:
“Eva and I had Italy in common. We each had an Italian who could sing O sole mio. But it was Eva who mastered the language, like the superiorly talented girl she was. And with her open mind and red lips, she taught everyone that there was no contradiction between culture and folkliness. Everything was kept at Eva’s place. She was not only knowledge, she was also love.”
Cilla Benkö, CEO of Sveriges Radio: “Smart, knowledgeable, courageous, funny and elegant but above all extremely caring and supportive. That’s how I will remember my dear friend Eva. My thoughts right now go above all to Eva’s family who lost her painfully far too soon. She was so brilliant, cheerful and positive. There are few people who can measure up to Eva. She leaves a really big void and is missed.”
Sophia Bendz, Investor, Partner Cherry Ventures:
“Eva and I worked together on Norstedt’s board. She had a warmth, clarity and positive energy that made her a much appreciated leader and friend. She dared a lot and inspired others to do the same. She has meant a great deal to me and the younger female colleagues she mentored. She was so generous with her knowledge and experience on the job and with her love, wisdom, laughter and support as a friend. She was very good at living and there will be a big void without her here.”
Erik Haegerstrand; CEO Bonnier Group:
“Eva had many unique qualities that made her a successful media manager. I will always remember her positive energy that spread to those around her and her eye for people. The rest of us simply became better and happier in her company.”
Otto Sjöberg, CEO of Spcmo:
“It is unbelievably sad right now. Eva was the most alive and vibrant person I have ever met. After a chat with her, you had energy for the rest of the day. Life will not be as lively without Eva.
Her combination of wisdom, clairvoyance and ability to see people and get them to work together are just some of all her professional qualities.
We got to know each other when we worked at TV4 and have been close friends and worked together for 25 years. It’s hard to accept that we can’t continue that friendship.”
Pär Svärdson, CEO Apotea
“If the world consisted of more people like Eve, the world would be a much better place. Eva was an incredibly colorful, warm, positive and wise person. In both ups and downs, she gave the rest of us support and energy. To the last she spread this warmth and power. I and we at Apotea will miss Eva immensely and manage her legacy with pride. “
Margareta Zachrisson, former media manager:
“Eva and I have been friends for 30 years. She has been a great inspiration, her way of leading others, especially women, has meant so much to so many. To the end, she gave good advice, encouragement and admonitions. She leaves a big void behind her.”