Wan-Finra CEO Change: Stig Ørskov Succeeds Vincent Peyrègne
Stig Ørskov to Succeed Vincent Peyrègne as CEO of WAN-IFRA
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The Leadership Transition
After thirteen years of service, Vincent Peyrègne is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of WAN-IFRA to pursue new professional opportunities. The Executive Board has appointed Stig Ørskov as his successor, effective in early 2026.Peyrègne will continue to contribute to WAN-IFRA as Senior Strategic Advisor, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities.
Ørskov brings extensive experience in the media industry, most recently serving as CEO of JP/Politiken Media Group, Denmark’s leading media company. He has also been a Vice-President of WAN-IFRA for the past six years,demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the organization and its mission.
Statements from Key Leaders
Ladina Heimgartner,Chairwoman of WAN-IFRA and CEO of Ringier Media Switzerland,expressed her confidence in Ørskov’s leadership: “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.“
Peyrègne reflected on his tenure, stating: “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 over the past twelve years. I am grateful to all our members for their trust and loyal support for our programmes, as confirmed by record participation levels in recent years.” He added, “It is an honor to pass the torch to Stig Ørskov, a remarkable manager with an remarkable track record who will take WAN-IFRA to a new level.”
Heimgartner also acknowledged Peyrègne’s contributions: “We extend our deepest gratitude to Vincent Peyrègne for his outstanding service and dedication to WAN-IFRA.His leadership has been essential in shaping the organisation, and we are very pleased that he will continue to contribute as Senior Strategic Advisor.”
Ørskov shared his enthusiasm for the role: “I am deeply honored and excited to take on the role of CEO of WAN-IFRA. Our industry faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities, and I look forward to working with the WAN-IFRA team, our members, and stakeholders to advance the mission of WAN-IFRA in these turbulent times. Our mission is clear: 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.“
WAN-IFRA Executive Board
The Executive Board of WAN-IFRA comprises:
| Name | Title | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Ladina heimgartner | president | Head Ringier Media & CEO Ringier Media Switzerland |
| Mariam Mammen Mathew | Vice-President | CEO Manorama online, India |
| Stig Kirk Ørskov | Vice President* | CEO, JP/Politiken Media Group, Denmark |
| Sandy Prieto-Romualdez | President & CEO Philippine Daily Inquirer – Group CEO, Inquirer Group, The Philippines | |
| Pia Rehnquist | head of Bonnier News Local, Sweden | |
| Luciano stulin | Chair DistriPress Advisory Board, Head of International, IPS Group, Germany | |
| Paul Verwilt | Treasurer | COO Mediahuis, Belgium |
| David walmsley | President World Editors Forum | editor-in-Chief, The Globe and Mail, Canada |
| Werner Zitzmann | Chair of the Associations Committee | Executive Director, AMI – Colombian Association of Information Media, Colombia |
*Until 31.12.2025. WAN-IFRA’s Supervisory Board will elect a new second vice President at its next meeting.
About WAN-IFRA
WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, represents a global network of over 3,000 news publishers and technology companies, along with 40 national publishers’ associations representing 18,000 publications across 120 countries. Its core mission is to protect press freedom and support independent media worldwide.
WAN-IFRA provides its members with expertise and resources to navigate the digital change of the news industry, fostering innovation and ensuring the sustainability of quality journalism.The World Editors Forum serves as its dedicated network for editors.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact Thomas Jacob, Chief Operating Officer, WAN-IFRA: thomas.jacob@wan-ifra.org