Brent Hoberman joins Guardian Media Group as non-executive director

Guardian Media Group plc (‘GMG’) today announces the appointment of Brent Hoberman to the Board as a non-executive director.

Brent, 38, is the co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of lastminute.com, one of Europe’s leading e-commerce companies.

After launching in 1998 lastminute.com went on to become one of the UK’s most high-profile and successful websites. The company floated in 2000 and was acquired by Travelocity Europe, a division of Sabre Holdings Corporation, for more than US$1.0 billion in 2005.

After eight years as CEO Brent became part-time Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer in May 2006, before moving to a part-time consultancy role in January 2007.

His earlier career included positions at LineOne, Mars & Co and Spectrum Strategy Consultants, where he specialised in media and telecoms. He was also Head of Business Development and a founding member of online auction company QXL.

Brent is an angel investor in several internet companies, including Viagogo and Wayn.com. He will shortly take up the role of Non-Executive Chairman at Wayn.com, a travel and leisure social network with over 7 million members. He is also a Governor of University of the Arts, London.

Commenting on the appointment, Paul Myners, Chairman of Guardian Media Group, said: “Brent is widely acknowledged to be a true pioneer in online business.

“His experience and entrepreneurial flair will be of great benefit to GMG as we move into an exciting period of development for the Group.”

Brent Hoberman said: “I’m looking forward to contributing to the team at GMG, especially as they continue to lead the industry in the digital age.

“The strong assets and brands within the Group are well positioned to adapt to the opportunities presented by changes in technology and distribution.”

(ENDS)

Further information: Chris Wade 020 7713 4041 / 07740 595 563

Notes for editors:

Guardian Media Group plc (‘GMG’) is one of the UK’s leading media companies, which in the year ending 2 April 2006 earned pre-tax profits of £66 million on turnover of £700 million. Its diverse portfolio includes national media – the Guardian and Observer newspapers and the Guardian Unlimited websites; regional media – the Manchester Evening News and more than 40 other regional newspapers in the North West and South of England, Channel M and Manchester Online; a radio division – 12 FM stations across the UK under the Real Radio, smooth fm, Century FM and Saga brands; and Trader Media Group – one of Europe’s largest specialist media and online companies and owner of the Auto Trader magazine and website.

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.