GMG appoints new Chief Executive for Trader Media Group

Guardian Media Group plc (“GMG”) today announces the appointment of John King as Chief Executive of Trader Media Group.

King, 39, is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Trading Post, Australia’s leading specialist classifieds business.

The group’s flagship brands are the Trading Post weekly print publication and its companion website, tradingpost.com.au. Other titles include Autotrader, Things That Go, Local Trader and Collectormania.

Trading Post is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sensis Pty Ltd, Australia’s leading advertising and directories business.

King’s previous roles include Chief Operating Officer of Sensis Classifieds and General Manager, Online Advertising of Sensis Pty Ltd.

Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive of Guardian Media Group, said: “John has extensive experience of building and leading successful print and online classified advertising businesses. He also has a track record of delivering high levels of growth in very competitive industries and market segments.

“He joins a vibrant and successful business in Trader Media Group, where his priority will be to build on that success and to ensure that the business continues to be a leader in its field.”

John King said: “I am delighted to be joining such a strong and well-regarded business as Trader Media Group. I look forward to working with the team to build on the company’s leading position, and making sure that we continue to deliver the highest levels of service for our customers.”

John King succeeds Jerry Fowden, who left Trader Media Group by mutual agreement shortly after the sale of a minority stake in the business was announced in March.

(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. Its diverse portfolio includes national media – The Guardian and Observer newspapers and the Guardian Unlimited network of websites; regional media – the Manchester Evening News, a number of other regional newspapers in the North West and South of England, the Channel M city TV station and the Manchester Online website; 13 radio stations under the Real Radio, Smooth Radio, Century FM and Rock brands; and Trader Media Group, one of Europe’s largest specialist print and online media companies, and publisher of the Auto Trader magazine and website. GMG announced the sale of a minority stake in Trader Media Group to Apax Partners in March 2007.

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.

Apax Partners is one of the world’s leading private equity investment groups. It operates across the United States, Europe and Asia and has more than 30 years of investing experience. Funds under the advice of Apax Partners total $20 billion around the world. These Funds provide long-term equity financing to build and strengthen world-class companies. Apax Partners Funds invest in companies across its global sectors of Tech & Telecom, Retail & Consumer, Media, Healthcare and Financial & Business Services.

Funds advised by Apax Partners have invested in the media sector for more than 20 years. Significant recent investments include: Incisive Media, Central European Media Enterprises, HIT Entertainment, World Directories and Yell.