Steinþór Einarsson named new director of the Department of Culture and Sports

Steinþór Einarsson holds a sports teaching degree as a primary and upper secondary school teacher from the Icelandic College of Physical Education at Laugarvatn and a diploma in marketing and export studies from the University of Iceland. He worked as a physical education teacher at Foldaskóli for three years before joining the Department of Sports and Leisure of Reykjavík City (ÍTR), where he served as Head of Office for Operations and Services for 25 years. Steinþór has held the position of Head of Office for Administration at the Department of Culture and Sports since 2023, while also serving as deputy director for many years and as acting director since November 2024. Additionally, he has served as chair of Reykjavík City's managers association and represented Reykjavík City in international cooperation on sports and leisure matters.

Reykjavík City posted the opening for director of the Department of Culture and Sports in late January, after former director Eiríkur Björn Björgvinsson was elected to Alþingi. The city received 54 applications for the position. Twelve applicants withdrew. Following the City Executive Council's rules for senior leadership appointments, an advisory qualifications committee was formed to evaluate the candidates.

The advisory selection committee concluded in its final report to the City Executive Council that Steinþór Einarsson was the best-qualified candidate to lead Reykjavík City’s Department of Culture and Sports. In its official statement, the committee noted that it based its assessment in part on Steinþór’s extensive knowledge of the department’s work, adding that “over the years, he has led numerous policy development projects and has a clear vision for the future of culture and sports, with an understanding of the importance of balancing the two and the opportunities for collaboration.” References also described Steinþór as a well-liked, effective leader who readily earns people’s support.