Ex-HBO Max International head made Storytel c.e.o. as company eyes international expansion

Stockholm-based e-book and audiobook subscription service Storytel has appointed Johannes Larcher as its new chief executive as it eyes further international expansion.

Larcher was most recently head of HBO Max International, where he planned and led the launch of HBO Max in 60 countries across Latin America and Europe.

He said: “The power of stories is more evident today than ever before. Storytel has built an impressive service that seamlessly connects millions of listeners to their favorite authors and has established itself as a leader in audio entertainment in the Nordics and beyond.

“I am delighted to build on this achievement and together with the great Storytel team help grow and expand Storytel to connect even more listeners with stories that move their world.”

The appointment comes after founder Jonas Tellander, who launched the company in 2005 with Jon Hauksson, announced he would be stepping down as c.e.o in February of this year, with Ingrid Bojner to step into the role of acting c.e.o. Tellander remains on the board of directors.

Hans-Holger Albrecht, chairman of the board, said: “I am excited to announce the appointment of Johannes Larcher as the new c.e.o of Storytel. He is a perfect fit for leading the company in its next phase of growth and international expansion.

“Johannes brings market-leading expertise in content, growth marketing and the management and scaling of direct-to-consumer subscription streaming services. Ingrid Bojner will remain a member of the management team and I want to thank her for the outstanding work she has done as acting c.e.o."

Bojner commented: “Storytel is a fantastic company that is on an exciting path of change towards scalable growth. I look forward to welcoming Johannes Larcher to Storytel and to continue to shape the future audiobook market.”

Storytel’s nomination committee has also informed the company that it has proposed changes to Storytel’s board of directors. It has proposed Jared Grusd, Lina Brouneus and Lutz Finger to replace Rustan Panday, Jonas Sjögren and Richard Stern. Panday will remain as advisor to the board and chairman of Storytel Books.

Albrecht said: “The new board members have been carefully selected to ensure that the board can flank and support the management team in the best possible way in the next chapter of Storytel. On behalf of the board, I also want to thank Rustan Panday, Jonas Sjögren and Richard Stern for their important contributions to the company.

“The quality of people that we announce today is a testament to the exciting prospects of Storytel’s continued growth journey in the rapidly developing global audiobook market.”