Virginie Lenk takes over interim management of 24 heures

Eric Lecluyse is leaving Tamedia at the end of March 2026. The editor-in-chief of 24 heures only took over as editor-in-chief in December 2024 and led the French-speaking Swiss daily newspaper through a phase of major change. Under his leadership, the journalistic quality was further developed, the digital transformation was driven forward and the editorial organization was stabilized.

Tamedia would like to thank Eric Lecluyse for his commitment, his leadership and his important contribution to the further development of the brand. In a challenging market environment, he has led the editorial team with a clear journalistic attitude and a high level of commitment, according to the media company.

Experienced journalist takes over on an interim basis

Virginie Lenk, currently deputy editor-in-chief of 24 heures, will take over as interim editor-in-chief. She has been deputy editor-in-chief since 2025 and has many years of editorial experience. She was previously editor of 24 heures' foreign affairs department since 2019. Lenk worked at RTS for ten years, including as a journalist and news anchor, as well as at the ATS news agency in Bern.

Virginie Lenk knows the organization, the brand and the market very well and stands for continuity, stability and journalistic quality, according to the press release. Sophie Davaris, Editor-in-Chief of the Tribune de Genève, and Patrick Monay, Editor-in-Chief of Le Matin Dimanche, will continue to be part of the editorial team.

Due to the ongoing transformation projects, the Editor-in-Chief will not be replaced at present. With the ad-interim solution, Tamedia is ensuring that 24 heures is managed in a stable manner during a phase of personnel restructuring and that the chosen path can be pursued with clarity and focus.

Simon Bärtschi, Head of Journalism at Tamedia, is quoted in the press release as follows: "Eric Lecluyse has led 24 heures through a challenging phase with great commitment and journalistic clarity and has played a key role in shaping the editorial development of the brand. We would like to thank him warmly for this. Virginie Lenk stands for continuity and a consistent continuation of the path we have taken."