New York Times and former Buzzfeed executive Dao Nguyen has been elected to the supervisory and executive boards of industry association WAN-Ifra.

She is currently senior vice president and head of digital advertising products at the New York Times, which she joined after 11 years at BuzzFeed, most recently as publisher/chief product & technology officer, where she led product, engineering, analytics and machine learning functions.

WAN-Ifra says her election fills an existing vacancy and will further strengthen the breadth of its international expertise.

Her more than 30 years of experience in data analytics, product development, audience growth and digital media leadership also includes time at Tasty, HuffPost and Complex –at times overseeing teams of up to 450 people across eight countries – and previously as chief executive of Le Monde Interactif and Dow Jones. She also serves on the board of Media Development Investment Fund.

WAN-Ifra chief executive Stig Ørskov says she combines deep technical expertise with “an exceptional understanding of how product development, data, AI and digital advertising can support audience growth and sustainable journalism.

“In her current role at the New York Times, Nguyen leads the development of digital advertising products – an area of critical importance to the future of news publishing.

“Her leadership experience at some of the world’s most influential news and digital media organisations will bring an enormously valuable perspective to our Boards. Her track record of using technology and generative AI to strengthen journalism rather than replace it will also benefit WAN-Ifra’s members as they navigate this period of profound transformation.”

Nguyen says she is honoured to join the supervisory and executive Boards: “Publishers everywhere are grappling with how to harness data, product and AI to serve their audiences and sustain their journalism. I look forward to contributing to that conversation and to supporting members as they navigate this moment of transformation.”