WAN-IFRA appoints Ezra Eeman as Director for AI in Media

WAN-IFRA has named Ezra Eeman, a leading voice on AI and digital transformation in the media industry, as its new Director for AI in Media, the organization’s CEO Stig Kirk Ørskov announced.

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A Significant Appointment

WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, announced the appointment of Ezra Eeman as its new Director for AI in Media. CEO Stig Kirk Ørskov shared the news on LinkedIn, calling it an important milestone in the organization’s mission to support publishers worldwide navigating the AI era.

Ørskov described Eeman as one of the industry’s most respected voices on AI, digital transformation, and media innovation, someone who combines strategic insight with hands-on experience in helping publishers move from understanding AI’s potential to actually implementing it in ways that strengthen journalism and build business value.

From NPO to WAN-IFRA

Eeman joins WAN-IFRA from Dutch public broadcaster NPO, where he served as Strategy & Innovation Director for the past three years, leading the organization’s Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Distribution Partnerships, and Innovation teams.

He is not new to WAN-IFRA. Since October 2024, Eeman has served as Strategic Advisor for WAN-IFRA’s AI in News Media Initiative, contributing to the organization’s conferences, leadership programmes, and AI roadmap efforts for member publishers.

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His broader career spans senior digital leadership roles across major European broadcasting institutions, including Head of Digital and Digital Transformation at the European Broadcasting Union in Geneva, Digital Change Director for News at Mediahuis across Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Germany, and Head of VRT Startup at Belgian broadcaster VRT. He began his career as a journalist, including as an investigative reporter and Asia correspondent, and later served as Editor-in-Chief for several current affairs magazines.

Eeman currently also serves as a board member at NLZIET, Muntpunt, and previously at Future Media Hubs.

A New Chapter for Publishers Navigating AI

In his new role, Eeman will lead WAN-IFRA’s AI strategy and programme development, working closely with member publishers, technology partners, and industry stakeholders. His responsibilities will span executive education, research and benchmarking, advisory services, strategic partnerships, and new initiatives designed to help publishers accelerate AI adoption.

“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,” Eeman said, according to Ørskov’s announcement.

Ørskov said he believes AI represents one of the greatest opportunities the news industry has seen in decades, provided publishers approach it with curiosity, responsibility, and a willingness to learn from one another, and expressed confidence that Eeman is well positioned to help lead that effort.

Team MediaBites congratulates Ezra Eeman on his new role and wishes him continued success at WAN-IFRA.