Guardian Media Group appoints new Chief Executive

Carolyn McCall has been appointed as Chief Executive of Guardian Media Group plc. She will succeed Sir Robert Phillis, who retires at the end of July.

Carolyn McCall is currently Chief Executive of Guardian Newspapers Limited (GNL), GMG’s national newspaper division. She is also a non-executive Director of Tesco plc and Chair of Opportunity Now.

Paul Myners, Chairman of GMG, said: “Carolyn has a brilliant track record in running our national newspapers, and has a very clear and compelling vision for the future growth and strategy of the Group.”

Sir Robert Phillis, current Chief Executive of GMG, said: “This is a first class appointment. Carolyn’s drive, energy and understanding will ensure continuing success for GMG in the digital age. She has my total support.”

Carolyn McCall said: “I am delighted to be taking on this role at such an important period in GMG’s history. With its powerful media brands and strong financial position, GMG is well placed to take advantage of all the digital and other opportunities that are being created by the enormous changes in the media market.”

Carolyn McCall will take up her new role on 1st August 2006. Sir Robert Phillis will remain a member of the GMG Board as a non-executive director.

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For further information please contact:
Colin Browne, The Maitland Consultancy 020 7379 5151
Nick Castro, Group Finance Director, GMG plc 020 7713 4452

Note for editors:

Carolyn McCall is currently Chief Executive of Guardian Newspapers Ltd. She has held this role since 2000 and is also a Director of the Guardian Media Group Board. Carolyn has held the roles of Advertisement Director (1995-1997), Commercial Director (1997) (with the additional responsibility of GNL’s internet strategy, launching Guardian Unlimited in 1999) and Deputy Managing Director (1998 – 2000).

Carolyn is also a non-executive Director of Tesco plc, and a former non-executive Director of New Look. She is Chair of Opportunity Now, the UK’s leading membership organization for gender equality and diversity at work; and a former President of Women in Advertising and Communications London (WACL).

She graduated from Kent University with a BA degree in History and Politics, and from London University with a Masters degree in Politics. She is married with three children.

Guardian Media Group plc (“GMG”) is the publisher of The Guardian and The Observer newspapers, Guardian Unlimited, the Manchester Evening News and a portfolio of other regional newspapers in the North West, Surrey and Berkshire. GMG also owns five radio stations under the Real Radio and Smooth FM brands. GMG also owns 100% of Trader Media Group, one of Europe’s largest specialist multi media groups and online media companies publishing some 70 publications (including regional editions of the same title) with associated websites.

GMG is wholly owned by the Scott Trust, which was created in 1936 to secure the financial and editorial independence of the Guardian in perpetuity.