Guardian Media Group appoints Head of Strategy

Guardian Media Group plc (‘GMG’) today announces the appointment of Steve Folwell to the new position of Head of Strategy.

Reporting to Chief Executive Carolyn McCall, Folwell will take responsibility for the strategy process at GMG level.

He will also assist the Group’s divisions – Guardian News & Media, GMG Regional Media, GMG Radio and Trader Media Group – with their strategy development.

In this role, he will work closely with Group Finance Director Nick Castro, Director of Digital Strategy & Development Simon Waldman, the divisional CEOs and the central business development team.

Folwell, 30, joins GMG from McKinsey & Company, where he is a lead member of the UK media practice.

Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive of Guardian Media Group, said: “This is an important addition to the GMG team as we move through a period of profound change, marked by significant challenges and opportunities for the Group.

“Taking a coordinated approach to strategy development and implementation across GMG will be critical to our future success.”

(ENDS)

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

Notes for editors:

Guardian Media Group plc (GMG) is one of Britain’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 Surrey and Berkshire, Channel M and Manchester Online; a network of radio stations including the Real Radio, smooth fm, Century FM and Saga brands; and Trader Media Group, one of Europe’s largest specialist media 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.