WAN-IFRA appoints Lena K Samuelsson as Executive Strategic Advisor
At a time of rapid technological change, shifting platform power, political pressure and evolving audience expectations, WAN-IFRA is sharpening its focus on media leadership as a critical capability for strong, independent and sustainable journalism. As part of this work, WAN-IFRA is strengthening its internal strategic advisory capacity and its expertise in media leadership.
Lena K Samuelsson is an experienced Swedish journalist and media executive. She spent her career with the digital front-runner Schibsted. After a decade in the newsroom of Aftonbladet, she became Editor-in-Chief of Svenska Dagbladet in 2001. In 2013 she joined the International Management Team of Schibsted, as EVP Communications, Brand and CSR. In 2018 she was appointed publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Aftonbladet, the largest digital news destination in the Nordics, and joined the Leadership team of Schibsted’s media division. She now works as an advisor, mentor and keynote speaker and serves on the WAN-IFRA Media Freedom Board.
“Lena brings strong strategic insight and deep experience in media leadership and organisational transformation,” said Stig Ørskov, CEO of WAN-IFRA. “Her expertise will be crucial as we strengthen WAN-IFRA’s strategic direction and expand our work in media leadership to better serve our members worldwide.”
In her role, Lena K Samuelsson will act as Executive Strategic Advisor to the WAN-IFRA leadership team and serve as a WAN-IFRA expert on media leadership, contributing insight, guidance and perspective across the organisation’s programmes and initiatives.
“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 Lena K Samuelsson. “I look forward to contributing to a strategy that helps publishers collaborate, innovate and defend the essential role of independent journalism in society.”
About WAN-IFRA:
WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, is the global organisation of the world’s press, representing news publishers, technology companies and national publishers’ associations in 120 countries. WAN-IFRA works to protect the rights of journalists and publishers worldwide and to help media companies thrive in the digital age.
Photo credit: Lina S. Green
Media contact:
Stig Ørskov, CEO, WAN-IFRA
Email: stig.orskov@wan-ifra.org
