A major industry group brings in a new leader for its AI strategy. Ezra Eeman will oversee programs to help publishers adopt artificial intelligence. The move signals WAN-IFRA’s focus on practical AI support for newsrooms.
WAN-IFRA has appointed Ezra Eeman as Director, AI in Media, a move aimed at strengthening the organization's support for news publishers navigating artificial intelligence. Eeman, who previously served as Director of Strategy & Innovation at Dutch public broadcaster NPO, is recognized for his expertise in AI, digital transformation, and media innovation. He has also been a strategic advisor to WAN-IFRA’s AI initiatives since late 2024 and has contributed to the association’s conferences and leadership programs for several years.
In his new role, Eeman will lead WAN-IFRA’s AI strategy and program development, working closely with publishers, technology partners, and industry stakeholders. His responsibilities will include executive education, research, benchmarking, advisory services, and building strategic partnerships. Eeman is expected to help publishers accelerate AI adoption and transformation as the technology reshapes the news industry.
WAN-IFRA has expanded its AI-related activities in recent years, launching executive leadership programs, industry research, the AI in Media community, Newsroom AI Catalyst, AI Futures Lab, the Next Gen AI Leaders program, global AI Forums, and partnerships with leading technology companies. The organization said Eeman’s appointment reflects its ambition to further strengthen these initiatives and provide practical support to publishers.
Stig Ørskov, Chief Executive Officer of WAN-IFRA, described Eeman as one of the most respected voices on AI in the global news industry, citing his combination of strategic insight and practical experience. Ørskov said Eeman will help ensure that publishers embrace AI with confidence, responsibility, and purpose, and that his expertise will reinforce WAN-IFRA’s role as a platform for knowledge sharing and innovation.
Eeman stated that artificial intelligence is already transforming how news organizations operate, create value, and engage with audiences. He emphasized that the challenge for publishers is not whether to adopt AI, but how to do so in ways that strengthen journalism, build trust, and create sustainable business value. Eeman said WAN-IFRA is uniquely positioned to facilitate practical learning and collaboration across markets.
He added that as the relationship between journalism and AI evolves, it is essential for publishers to have a strong voice in shaping the future. Eeman will work closely with WAN-IFRA’s global network of publishers, national associations, and partners to help news organizations build the capabilities needed to deploy AI responsibly and sustainably. He will officially take up the position on October 1, 2026.
This appointment is part of WAN-IFRA’s broader strategy to support publishers through the next phase of digital transformation and ensure that news organizations remain innovative, sustainable, and trusted in an increasingly AI-driven information ecosystem. The move comes as other major media companies are also rethinking their approach to AI, as seen when Burda Media underwent a leadership change earlier this year.
Ezra Eeman is an internationally recognized media executive, strategist, and innovation leader. Before joining NPO, he held senior innovation and digital leadership roles at Mediahuis, EBU, and VRT, Belgium’s public broadcaster. He is known for his work on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and newsroom transformation, and has advised media organizations worldwide on digital strategy and innovation.
WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, represents 3,000 news publishing companies and technology entrepreneurs, along with 60 member publisher associations covering 18,000 publications in 120 countries. Its mission is to unite media globally to strengthen the business of trusted journalism and defend press freedom.
For media inquiries, contact Thomas Jacob, Chief Operating Officer, WAN-IFRA, at thomas.jacob@wan-ifra.org or +49 174 3801717.
