Guardian Media Group names new regional chief

Guardian Media Group plc (GMG) today announced that it has selected a successor to Mr Ian Ashcroft, Chief Executive of the Regional Newspaper Division. Mr Mark Dodson, 44, who is currently Chief Executive of the Cheshire & Lancashire group of weekly newspapers, has been chosen as Chief Executive designate.

Sir Robert Phillis, Chief Executive of GMG plc said today: “I am delighted that our succession planning within the Group has resulted in Mark being selected from a very strong field of candidates for this senior position in GMG. He will take up his new responsibilities in October, on completion of a senior executive development programme that he will be undertaking during the summer in preparation for his new role.”

Mr Ian Ashcroft, Chief Executive of GMG Regional Newspapers said: “Mark Dodson has played a key role in the development of our businesses during the past decade, working for the MEN, expanding our local and free newspapers in the North West and diversifying our operations to the internet and local television. His energy and experience will take the Division forward through the next phase of growth.”

Mark Dodson, who will join the Board of GMG plc when he takes up his new appointment in October, said: “I am looking forward to the prospect of succeeding Ian Ashcroft as Chief Executive of GMG’s Regional Newspaper Division and to building on his success. It is an exciting and challenging period in the Division’s history as we face a number of important challenges in publishing, on the web and in digital broadcasting and I am looking forward to leading our talented and dedicated staff to continued success and profitability in the future.”

Mark Dodson started his career with Thomson Regional Newspapers before joining The Guardian. Following a move to Reed Regional Newspapers he returned to GMG in 1988. He lives in Worsley, Greater Manchester and is married with two teenage daughters.

Notes for editors:

GMG Regional Newspapers is a division of Guardian Media Group plc and publishes the Manchester Evening News, Metro and manchesteronline.co.uk. Cheshire & Lancashire newspapers include the Stockport Express & Times, the Rochdale Observer and Channel M Television. Surrey & Berkshire newspapers include the Surrey Advertiser group and the Reading Evening Post.