Guardian Media Group announces succession plan for GMG Radio

Guardian Media Group plc (‘GMG’) has announced details of the succession plan for its commercial radio business, GMG Radio.

In April 2009, John Myers will be succeeded as chief executive by Stuart Taylor, currently deputy chief executive.

John will continue to be involved with the business as an advisor to GMG Radio, specifically in areas such as regulation and the future of DAB.

Having launched GMG Radio 10 years ago, John has overseen the growth of the company into one of the UK’s leading radio businesses.

Stuart moved from GMG Radio’s sister company Guardian News & Media in June 2007 and, as part of the division’s succession planning, was appointed deputy chief executive in March 2008.

John Myers, chief executive of GMG Radio, said: “It has been a great privilege and pleasure to lead GMG’s radio business for the last decade, which has been one of excitement, expansion – and tremendous fun.

“After 30 years in the industry I feel it’s the right time to take a step back from the day-to-day running of the business and move into semi-retirement. I’m particularly pleased that, because of our careful succession planning, I am able to hand over the reins to a brilliant chief executive who already knows the business inside out. Stuart is a superb operator and I know that GMG Radio can look forward to continued success under his leadership.”

Carolyn McCall, chief executive of Guardian Media Group, said: “John has been a great leader of our radio business. Over the last 10 years he has built the company up from scratch, winning licences, launching stations and acquiring new assets. He has made an immense contribution to the success of GMG Radio, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in his advisory capacity.

“Stuart is among the industry’s most highly rated and respected executives, and it is testament to the calibre of the team that we are able to appoint such a successor from within the business.”

(ends)

Further information:
Chris Wade, GMG 020 7713 4041
Alison Halstead, GMG Radio 020 7298 7296