Appointments to the GMG Board

Guardian Media Group (GMG) has appointed Ronan Dunne, CEO of Telefónica UK Limited (O2), and John Paton, CEO of Digital First Media, as non-executive directors.

Ronan Dunne has been CEO of Telefónica UK and a member of the Telefónica Europe plc board since April 2008. Prior to this he was chief financial officer and head of finance, having joined O2 prior to its demerger from BT in 2001. Ronan is also chairman of Tesco Mobile, the UK’s largest mobile virtual network operator, a joint venture between Tesco and O2. During his career he has held senior financial positions in the banking and the corporate sectors.

As founder and CEO of Digital First Media, John oversees the operation of more than 800 digital and print products in 18 states across the US, serving 61.5 million customers per month.  Digital First Media, which operates Digital First Ventures, MediaNews Group and Journal Register Company, has print and online divisions across the US, Canada and Europe. He is the co-founder of impreMedia, the largest news and information company for Hispanics in the US, a director of Canada’s largest newspaper company, Postmedia Network, a member of the Board of Advisors for the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism and member of the board of directors of Spanish newspaper, El Pais.

Amelia Fawcett, chair of GMG, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ronan and John to the GMG Board.

“Ronan’s experience with consumer-focused brands and his commitment to developing innovative digital products, combined with his understanding of the technology space, will be a huge asset to GMG.

“John’s deep understanding of the opportunities presented by digital and his commitment to quality journalism are closely aligned with GMG’s digital-first strategy, while his experience of helping legacy media companies to make the transition to successful multi-platform media companies will be invaluable as we continue to take our business forward.

“The depth and range of expertise on the GMG Board means we are fully equipped to support our transformation to a digital-first organisation, strongly placed to ensure a long-term, commercially successful future for our journalism.”

Ronan Dunne, chief executive of Telefónica UK, said: “I am very much looking forward to joining the GMG board. The media sector is changing which presents enormous opportunity as the true potential of digital services and interaction becomes a reality.”

John Paton, chief executive of Digital First Media, said: “It is a privilege to be joining the board of one of the most innovative digital news companies in the world. The Guardian is a powerful global voice for progressive societal change. All forward-thinking people have a vested interest in its future and I am excited about playing a small role in that future.”

ENDS

Further information: Helen Dagley 020 3353 2427

Notes for editors

The board of Guardian Media Group comprises: Amelia Fawcett DBE (chair); Andrew Miller (CEO); Alan Rusbridger (editor-in-chief, Guardian News & Media); Nick Backhouse (non-executive director); Neil Berkett (non-executive director); Ronan Dunne (non-executive director); Judy Gibbons (non-executive director); Brent Hoberman (non-executive director); Nigel Morris (non-executive director); John Paton (non-executive director); Darren Singer (chief financial officer); Philip Tranter (company secretary).

Guardian Media Group is wholly owned by The Scott Trust Ltd, which exists to secure the financial and editorial independence of the Guardian in perpetuity. GMG’s core business is Guardian News & Media, publisher of guardian.co.uk, one of the world’s leading news websites, as well as guardiannews.com and the Guardian and Observer newspapers.

The group’s portfolio of investments includes:

- Trader Media Group: one of Europe’s largest specialist media companies, and publisher of the Auto Trader website and magazine. Trader Media Group is jointly owned by GMG and Apax Partners.

- Top Right Group (formerly Emap): a leading international business-to-business digital intelligence and events business, also jointly owned by GMG and Apax Partners.

- GMG Property Services: the leading provider of software, technology and design solutions to the property industry.

- An externally managed investment fund.