- WAN-IFRA appoints JP/Politiken CEO Stig Ørskov as chief executive from early 2026
- Vincent Peyrègne, CEO since 2012, will stay on as senior strategic advisor
- New leadership expected to push innovation, collaboration and press freedom advocacy
WAN-IFRA has appointed Stig Ørskov as its next chief executive, succeeding Vincent Peyrègne, who is stepping down after more than a decade leading the global association of news publishers.
Ørskov, currently CEO of JP/Politiken Media Group in Denmark and vice-president of WAN-IFRA, will take over in early 2026.
Peyrègne, who became CEO in 2012, is credited with stabilising WAN-IFRA’s finances, expanding its membership base and strengthening its role as an advocate for press freedom, digital transformation and business sustainability. He will remain with the organisation as senior strategic advisor to support the transition.
“This is an exciting new chapter for WAN-IFRA. I am proud of what we have achieved thanks to an exceptionally committed team and supportive Board members,” said Peyrègne. “It is an honour to pass the torch to Stig Ørskov, a remarkable manager with an impressive track record who will take WAN-IFRA to a new level.”
Ladina Heimgartner, chairwoman of WAN-IFRA and CEO of Ringier Media Switzerland, praised Peyrègne’s contribution and welcomed Ørskov’s appointment. “Stig’s visionary leadership, deep understanding of the media industry, and commitment to journalistic values make him the ideal candidate to steer WAN-IFRA in a rapidly evolving media landscape,” she said.
Ørskov, who has led JP/Politiken Media Group since 2014 and served WAN-IFRA as vice-president for six years, said he was “deeply honoured and excited” to take on the role.
“Our industry faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities,” he said. “We will defend press freedom and safeguard the public trust in journalism while supporting our members in building the future of news media on the foundation of innovation and creativity that define the spirit of our global community.”
The transition marks a significant moment for WAN-IFRA, which represents thousands of news publishers worldwide. Ørskov’s appointment is expected to accelerate the organisation’s strategic focus on innovation, collaboration and resilience as news media adapts to turbulent times.
- https://www.wan-ifraknowledgehub.org/introduction – Confirms WAN-IFRA’s role as the global organisation of the press and gives membership figures (around 3,000 member companies and 18,000+ publications), corroborating the article’s statement that WAN-IFRA represents thousands of news publishers worldwide.
- https://www.ringier.com/ladina-heimgartner-elected-president-of-wan-ifra/ – Ringier’s announcement confirms Ladina Heimgartner’s election as President/Chair of WAN‑IFRA and identifies her as CEO of Ringier Media Switzerland, corroborating the article’s attribution of comments to her and her role within WAN‑IFRA.
- https://eventsarchive.wan-ifra.org/speakers/vincent-peyregne.html – WAN‑IFRA’s own events archive page for Vincent Peyrègne records that he took up duties as WAN‑IFRA CEO on 1 October 2012, corroborating the article’s claim that Peyrègne became CEO in 2012 and has led the organisation for more than a decade.
- https://lex.dk/Stig_Kirk_%C3%98rskov – The Danish lex entry and biographical summary state that Stig Kirk Ørskov has been CEO of JP/Politikens Hus since 2014, corroborating the article’s reference to Ørskov’s current role leading JP/Politiken Media Group.
- https://www.newsmediaeurope.eu/news/571/ – This industry notice records Stig Ørskov’s appointment to WAN‑IFRA’s executive leadership (vice‑presidential role) and includes his comments about defending press freedom, supporting the article’s statement that Ørskov has served WAN‑IFRA as vice‑president and is aligned with press‑freedom advocacy.
- https://www.inpublishing.co.uk/articles/wan-ifra-takes-its-governance-transformation-one-step-further-22069 – InPublishing reports on WAN‑IFRA’s recent governance and financial updates, noting positive financial results and new members under current leadership, corroborating the article’s point that Peyrègne stabilised finances and expanded the organisation’s membership and role in areas such as business sustainability and digital transformation.
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