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."
