- Swedish editor brings decades of media executive experience to WAN-IFRA role
- Organisation aims to strengthen support for independent journalism in a changing landscape
- Appointment signals focus on leadership development and defending democracy
WAN-IFRA has named Lena K Samuelsson as Executive Strategic Advisor as the global press body sharpens its focus on media leadership amid rapid technological change, shifting platform power, and rising political pressure on newsrooms.
According to WAN-IFRA, Samuelsson will provide strategic insight and serve as a WAN-IFRA expert on media leadership, offering guidance across the organisation’s programmes and initiatives as it seeks to help publishers “collaborate, innovate and defend the essential role of independent journalism in society.”
]Samuelsson brings decades of senior editorial and executive experience from Schibsted, one of Europe’s largest media groups. Her career includes a decade in the newsroom at Aftonbladet, 12 years as Editor‑in‑Chief of Svenska Dagbladet beginning in 2001, and a role on Schibsted’s Group Management Team from 2013 as Executive Vice President for Communications, Brand and CSR.
In 2018 she returned to Aftonbladet as publisher and Editor‑in‑Chief and joined the leadership of Schibsted’s media division.
Stig Ørskov, who took the role of WAN-IFRA’s chief executive earlier this month, described Samuelsson’s appointment as a strategic reinforcement. “Lena brings strong strategic insight and deep experience in media leadership and organisational transformation,” he said.
The organisation added that strengthening internal strategic advisory capacity and expertise in media leadership is central to its work supporting independent and sustainable journalism across 120 countries.
“I’m honoured to support WAN-IFRA at a moment when the future of journalism and the health of our democracies are closely linked,” said Samuelsson.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://wan-ifra.org/2026/01/wan-ifra-appoints-lena-k-samuelsson-as-executive-strategic-advisor/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://wan-ifra.org/2026/01/wan-ifra-appoints-lena-k-samuelsson-as-executive-strategic-advisor/ – WAN-IFRA has appointed Lena K. Samuelsson as Executive Strategic Advisor to enhance its strategic direction and media leadership initiatives. Samuelsson, a seasoned Swedish journalist and media executive, has a notable career with Schibsted, including roles as Editor-in-Chief of Svenska Dagbladet and publisher of Aftonbladet. In her new role, she will provide strategic insight and guidance across WAN-IFRA’s programmes, aiming to strengthen independent journalism globally. CEO Stig Ørskov highlighted her expertise in media leadership and organisational transformation as crucial for WAN-IFRA’s mission.
- https://schibsted.com/news/lena-k-samuelsson-joins-schibsteds-group-management-team/ – In 2013, Lena K. Samuelsson joined Schibsted’s Group Management Team as Executive Vice President of Communications & CSR. Prior to this, she served as Editor-in-Chief at Svenska Dagbladet for 12 years. In her new role, she was responsible for areas such as Corporate Social Responsibility, communications, and corporate culture, and also joined the Board of Directors of Schibsted Norge and 20 Minutos in Spain. CEO Rolv Erik Ryssdal praised her broad experience and commitment to Schibsted, emphasizing her ability to build strong organisational cultures and teams.
- https://www.inma.org/modules/event/2024WorldCongress/attendees.cfm – The 2024 INMA World Congress featured a diverse group of media professionals from around the world. Among the attendees was Lena K. Samuelsson, Senior Advisor at Schibsted, who has a background as publisher at Aftonbladet in Stockholm, Sweden. Her participation underscores her ongoing engagement with global media initiatives and her role in shaping the future of journalism through strategic leadership and innovation.
- https://www.inpublishing.co.uk/articles/wan-ifra-new-board-members-take-office-25334 – At the 76th World News Media Congress in Kraków, WAN-IFRA announced the election of new members to its supervisory board of directors and the board of the World Editors Forum. Notably, Pia Rehnquist, business area manager at Bonnier News (Sweden), joined WAN-IFRA’s executive board. This development reflects WAN-IFRA’s commitment to diversifying its leadership and enhancing its strategic direction in the evolving media landscape.
- https://www.ringier.com/ladina-heimgartner-elected-president-of-wan-ifra/ – During WAN-IFRA’s 75th World News Media Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, Ladina Heimgartner, Head Media Ringier AG & CEO Ringier Media Switzerland, was elected President of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers. This election signifies WAN-IFRA’s ongoing commitment to leadership transformation and its strategic direction in the media industry.
- https://www.inpublishing.co.uk/articles/wan-ifra-announces-new-ceo-25682 – WAN-IFRA has appointed Stig Kirk Ørskov as its new chief executive officer, effective beginning 2026. Ørskov succeeds Vincent Peyrègne, who has served as CEO since 2012. This leadership change is part of WAN-IFRA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic direction and media leadership initiatives in response to the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The article reports on a recent appointment announced on January 21, 2026, with no prior mentions found in the search results, indicating freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
Direct quotes from Lena K Samuelsson and Stig Ørskov are present. No earlier instances of these quotes were found, suggesting originality.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The article originates from WAN-IFRA’s official website, a reputable source within the media industry, enhancing credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The appointment of Lena K Samuelsson aligns with WAN-IFRA’s strategic focus on media leadership amid technological and political challenges, making the claim plausible.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The article is a recent, original news report from a reputable source, detailing Lena K Samuelsson’s appointment as Executive Strategic Advisor at WAN-IFRA. All checks indicate high credibility and accuracy.
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