After almost five years as Editor, and eight as Editor of independent.co.uk, Christian will now focus on growing the business.
Christian, who began his career at the title in 1997, will work across The Independent, and will also head up a new division, Independent Ventures, delivering initiatives and businesses that combine outstanding journalism, revenue growth and industry-leading innovation, say the publishers. He will continue to report to Zach Leonard, Chief Executive Officer.
Following Christian’s appointment, David Marley has been appointed as Acting Editor, having joined the title as Head of News before being promoted to Deputy Editor in 2017. Katie Davies will continue in her existing role as US Editor, with a growing team to address the needs of The Independent’s fastest-growing and biggest readership, opening a bureau in Los Angeles in time for November’s presidential election. Katie and David will continue to report to Christian in his new role.
Christian Broughton, Managing Director, commented: “The Independent is going from strength to strength. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with outstanding talents throughout my time at The Independent, both in print and while leading the editorial push that has seen our website grow from its infancy to being Britain’s biggest quality digital news brand today. With David and Katie leading the editorial teams in the UK, US and around the world, I know our journalism will continue to win new readers and reach new highs through many more memorable scoops and campaigns. I’m now excited to be working even closer with Zach Leonard, John Paton and the outstanding executive team at IDNM, focusing fully on the biggest issue facing the news industry globally: building a thriving business to support outstanding independent journalism into a bright future.”
Zach Leonard, CEO of Independent Digital News & Media, Ltd, said: “Christian Broughton has grown our international Audiences with tremendous passion, technical expertise, and journalistic nous for more than eight years. His ability to monetise readers, contributors and subscribers so effectively positions him perfectly to assume the new role of Managing Director over our new and evolving products, services and language editions.”
John Paton, Chairman of Independent Digital News and Media, added: “The Independent has continued to perform exceptionally well in recent times, producing high-quality and high-volume journalism whilst pursuing significant growth initiatives around the world. We are delighted to appoint Christian as Managing Director, to help drive growth and launch new innovations, securing The Independent’s future as a truly global quality news organisation.”
