WAN-IFRA appoints Ezra Eeman as Director, AI in Media
Eeman joins WAN-IFRA from the Dutch public broadcaster NPO, where he served as Director of Strategy & Innovation for the last three years. He has become widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading voices on AI, digital transformation and media innovation. Eeman is not new to WAN-IFRA where he has served as a strategic advisor for the association’s AI initiatives since late 2024, in addition to being a frequent contributor to WAN-IFRA’s conferences and leadership programmes for a number of years now.
In recent years, WAN-IFRA has significantly expanded its AI-related activities, including executive leadership programmes, industry research, the AI in Media community, Newsroom AI Catalyst, AI Futures Lab, the Next Gen AI Leaders programme, AI Forums globally, and strategic partnerships with leading technology companies. The appointment of Eeman reflects WAN-IFRA’s ambition to further strengthen these initiatives and provide practical support to publishers as AI reshapes the news industry.
In his new role, Eeman will lead WAN-IFRA’s AI strategy and programme development, working closely with publishers, technology partners and industry stakeholders. His responsibilities will include executive education, research and benchmarking, advisory services, strategic partnerships and the development of new initiatives to help publishers accelerate AI adoption and transformation.
“Ezra is one of the most respected voices on AI in the global news industry,” said Stig Ørskov, Chief Executive Officer of WAN-IFRA. “He combines strategic insight with practical experience, helping publishers understand not only what AI makes possible, but how to implement it in ways that strengthen journalism and create lasting business value. His appointment marks an important step in WAN-IFRA’s ambition to be the world’s leading partner for publishers navigating the AI era. Together with our members and partners, Ezra will help ensure that the news industry embraces AI with confidence, responsibility and purpose. His expertise will strengthen WAN-IFRA’s role as the industry’s leading platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation.”
Eeman will work closely with WAN-IFRA’s global network of publishers, national associations and partners to help news organisations build the capabilities needed to deploy AI responsibly, effectively and sustainably.
“Artificial intelligence is already transforming how news organisations operate, create value and engage with audiences,” said Ezra Eeman. “The challenge for publishers is no longer whether to embrace AI, but how to do so in a way that strengthens journalism, builds trust and creates sustainable business value. WAN-IFRA is uniquely positioned to bring together the global news industry, facilitate practical learning and foster collaboration across markets. I am excited to join the team and help publishers turn AI’s potential into meaningful impact.”
He added: “At a time when the relationship between journalism and AI is being redefined, it is essential that publishers have a strong voice in shaping the future. I look forward to working with WAN-IFRA’s members and partners to ensure that innovation serves both audiences and the public value of journalism.”
The appointment forms part of WAN-IFRA’s broader strategy to support publishers through the next phase of digital transformation and to ensure that news organisations remain innovative, sustainable and trusted in an increasingly AI-driven information ecosystem.
Eeman will take up the position on 1 October 2026.
About Ezra Eeman
Ezra Eeman is an internationally recognised media executive, strategist and innovation leader. Most recently, he served as Director of Strategy & Innovation at NPO, the Dutch Public Broadcasting organisation. Prior to that, he held senior innovation and digital leadership roles at Mediahuis, EBU and VRT, Belgium’s public broadcaster. He is widely known for his work on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and newsroom transformation, and has advised media organisations around the world on digital strategy and innovation.
About WAN-IFRA
WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, is the global organisation of the world’s press, comprising 3,000 news publishing companies and technology entrepreneurs, and 60 member publisher associations representing 18,000 publications in 120 countries. Its mission is to unite media globally to strengthen the business of trusted journalism and defend press freedom.
Media Enquiries
Thomas Jacob
Chief Operating Officer, WAN-IFRA
thomas.jacob@wan-ifra.org
+49 174 3801717
