Mediahuis Ireland announces the appointment of Sheena Peirse as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October 2025. She succeeds Peter Vandermeersch, who will take on the role of Mediahuis Fellow ‘Journalism and Society’.
Currently Chief Customer Officer at Mediahuis Ireland, Sheena Peirse brings a wealth of experience in transformation, digital media, audience strategy, and commercial innovation. Prior to joining Mediahuis in 2019 as Digital Editorial Director, she held senior roles in UK broadcast media, including ITV and Channel 4, where she played a leading role shaping the digital strategy and content initiatives. As Chief Customer Officer, she spearheaded strategic change across the subscription and marketing business, helping the company surpass 100,000 subscribers.
Sheena will work closely with COO Ian Keogh and CFO Ross Murray, alongside the rest of the Mediahuis Ireland Executive Leadership Team.
“I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for our organisation and for journalism,” said Sheena. “Peter and Ian have laid a strong foundation for our digital growth, and I look forward to building on that legacy with our talented teams across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Together, we will continue to deliver independent, high-quality journalism that plays a relevant role in our readers’ lives.”
Peter Vandermeersch transitions to strategic fellowship role
Peter Vandermeersch has had a distinguished career within Mediahuis, serving as editor-in-chief of De Standaard and NRC, publisher of Mediahuis Ireland and, since 2022, as CEO of the Irish Mediahuis organisation. In his new role as Mediahuis Fellow ‘Journalism and Society’, he will focus on keeping the group’s journalistic mission relevant, acting as a unifying force in an increasingly polarised society and making the value of journalism more visible.
Reflecting on his transition, Peter said:
“In this fellowship, I want to further strengthen Mediahuis’ position as a thought leader, addressing some of the industry’s key challenges—such as the relevance of journalism, its role in an era of polarisation, trust, press freedom, engaging with diverse audiences, and ensuring a sustainable future for local journalism—while exploring the responsible use of AI in newsrooms.”
Gert Ysebaert, CEO of Mediahuis group, commented:
“I am pleased to welcome Sheena Peirse as the new CEO of Mediahuis Ireland. Sheena has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in her role as Chief Customer Officer, driving digital transformation and audience growth. Her deep understanding of both editorial and commercial strategy makes her uniquely positioned to lead Mediahuis Ireland into its next chapter. I wish her every success in this important role and look forward to the continued impact she will make on our organisation and the wider media landscape.
This leadership transition takes place against the backdrop of profound change in our industry. Independent journalism is under increasing pressure—not because it has lost its value, but because the economics of journalism and the world around it are fundamentally changing. At Mediahuis, we strongly believe journalism is a vital force for truth, connection, and democracy. This mission can no longer be taken for granted. We must redefine, defend, and articulate its value—both within and beyond our organisation. That’s why we are launching the Mediahuis Fellowship ‘Journalism and Society’, a strategic role designed to reflect, challenge, connect, and inspire across brands, disciplines, and audiences. I’m delighted that Peter Vandermeersch will lead this initiative with the insight and vision he has consistently brought to our organisation.”
For more information, please contact:
Sinead Spillane | sinead.spillane@mediahuis.ie | T. 087 241 3762
About Mediahuis
Mediahuis is one of the leading media groups in Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Luxembourg and the German region of North Rhine-Westphalia. As a publisher, Mediahuis believes unconditionally in independent journalism and strong and relevant media that makes a positive contribution for people and society. From this vision, Mediahuis is continuously investing in its brands, both printed and digital. With about 4,455 employees, Mediahuis realises an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion. Since its creation in 2013, Mediahuis has built a highly diversified portfolio of news media and digital brands. Its national and regional news titles deliver daily news to 10 million readers, both digitally and in print. In addition to these news brands, Mediahuis also operates several key digital marketplaces in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Ireland, mainly in the real estate market, job, car, and price comparison markets.
In Ireland, Mediahuis is a prominent publisher, reaching millions of readers through titles such as the Irish Independent, The Sunday Independent, The Belfast Telegraph, The Sunday World, and a wide range of regional publications.
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