JP/Politiken Media Group has today appointed Anders Heering as new COO and member of the executive board. Anders Heering, who was previously CEO of JP/Politiken Business Media, has been the lead architect of the development and internationalisation of the successful Watch Media. In his new role, Anders Heering will have main commercial responsibility at JP/Politiken Media Group and will play an important role in the implementation of the 'Stronger Together' strategy, which was launched at the beginning of the year.
"Few people are able to combine a deep understanding of content and products with well-developed leadership skills and proven digital business insight like Anders. These are qualities that are and will be crucial in the transformation and development that JP/Politiken Media Group is going through. I am therefore very pleased that Anders has agreed to take on the responsibility of contributing to the further development of the entire group," says CEO Stig Kirk Ørskov.
JP/Politiken Media Group will also have a new CFO, as current CFO Henrik Schjerbeck has decided to step down at the end of March 2025 after 16 years in the position. Following his departure from the CFO-position he will maintain the overall responsibility for the group's printing and distribution activities, including the position as chair of the board of DAO, one of Denmark's leading distribution companies.
Henrik Schjerbeck will be replaced as CFO by current Group Finance Director Ane Sachs Aasand, who has a background as an auditor with Deloitte. As CFO, Ane Sachs Aasand will, among other things, be responsible for developing the group's new joint finance unit in close cooperation with the business units and will also ensure that JP/Politiken Media Group maintains a high level of ambition in ESG reporting.
The vacant position of Chief of People and Organisation (CPO) has also been filled. The new CPO is Helle Sand, who comes from a position as CPO at LB Forsikring. With extensive experience in organisational development, Helle Sand will be a key player in the future organisational development of JP/Politiken Media Group.
According to Stig Kirk Ørskov, the three appointments will contribute to JP/Politiken Media Group’s goal of becoming digitally sustainable within the next few years.
"At JP/Politiken Media Group, we live and breathe for creating informed citizens through journalism and literature. In times of major structural changes in the media market, enormous competitive pressure from the technological giants and massive societal challenges with misinformation, there is more than ever a need for solid and competitive media companies. This requires competent management with a keen eye for the opportunities of the future media market and a deep understanding of the need to develop and attract talented people. The appointments of Anders Heering, Ane Sachs Aasand and Helle Sand are part of securing the future of JP/Politiken Media Group," says Stig Kirk Ørskov.
He would also like to thank Henrik Schjerbeck for his invaluable contribution as CFO.
"Henrik Schjerbeck's contribution to the development of JP/Politiken Media Group cannot be overestimated. He has played a crucial role in securing the strong financial position, which is the basis for editorial freedom, and has created opportunities to invest in new initiatives and strengthen our position as Denmark's leading publisher. We are therefore delighted that Henrik Schjerbeck will continue to have overall responsibility for the development of our printing and distribution activities," says Stig Kirk Ørskov.
With these appointments, the executive management of JP/Politiken Media Group will consist of Stig Kirk Ørskov, CEO, Anders Heering, COO, Julie Steengaard, CTO, Ane Sachs Aasand, CFO, and Helle Sand, CPO. Together with the heads of the group's seven business units, they will lead the group.
Anders Heering will take on his new role at 1 December. Helle Sand will start on 8 January, while Ane Sachs Aasand will take over as CFO on 1 April.
The search for a new CEO for JP/Politiken Business Media to replace Anders Heering will begin immediately.