Vincent Peyrègne is stepping down as chief executive of WAN-Ifra, a role he has occupied for 13 of the 16 years since the two organisations merged.

Now the World Association of News Publishers, it has grown since the 2009 merger of the World Association of Newspapers with IFRA, itself the product of INCA and FIEJ getting together. That it has continued to grow – with last year’s inclusion of DistriPress, for example – stands to the credit of Peyrègne and chief operating officer Thomas Jacob.

WAN-Ifra says that under Peyrègne’s leadership, the association has expanded its membership base and re-established a solid financial foundation, strengthening its role as a key advocate for news publishers worldwide, addressing critical issues such as press freedom, digital transformation, and business sustainability. The global organisation now embraces 3000 news publishers and technology companies and 40 national publishers’ associations representing 18,000 publications in 120 countries.

His successor has been named as 54-year-old Stig Kirk Ørskov (pictured top), vice-president of WAN-Ifra for the last six years and currently chief executive of Denmark’s JP/Politiken Media Group. He takes over the role in January, and is succeeded as vice president by Mariam Mammen Mathew, chief executive of India’s Manorama Online, who was elected earlier this year.

Vincent Peyrègne (above) is stepping down to take up new professional challenges, but will continue working with the organisation as senior strategic advisor, ensuring a smooth transition.

Chair Ladina Heimgartner – who is chief executive of Ringier Media Switzerland – extended “deepest gratitude” to Peyrègne for his “outstanding service and dedication”, while commenting that Ørskov’s “visionary leadership, deep understanding of the media industry, and commitment to journalistic values” made him the ideal candidate to steer WAN-Ifra in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Peyrègne described this as 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 12 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.

“It is an honour to pass the torch to Stig Ørskov, a remarkable manager with an impressive track record.”

Other members of WAN-Ifra’s executive board are: Sandy Prieto-Romualdez (Inquirer Group, The Philippines), Pia Rehnquist (Bonnier News Local, Sweden), Luciano Stulin (IPS Group, Germany, and chair of the DistriPress advisory board), Paul Verwilt (Mediahuis, Belgium), David Walmsley (Globe and Mail, Canada, and president of the World Editors Forum), and Werner Zitzmann (Asociación Colombiana de Medios de Información, Colombia, and chair of the Associations Committee).

Peter Coleman