The Daily Mail has announced a new leadership and operating structure, which will be headed by Danny Groom and Ted Verity and aims to strengthen its business as the news publishing industry evolves.
Groom, editor and publisher of MailOnline, has been appointed as publisher and CEO of dmg media, and will oversee publishing, product development and commercial operations.
Verity, editor of Mail Newspapers, has been promoted to editor-in-chief of the Daily Mail across all platforms. He will be responsible for all content, delivering the Mail’s journalism wherever its audience consumes it.
The publisher says Groom and Verity will report directly to Lord Rothermere, chairman of dmg media. Working together, they will accelerate the Mail’s digital transformation, deliver new products, maximise editorial and grow its audience on existing and new platforms, the publisher continued.
Rich Caccappolo, CEO of dmg media, will become vice chairman of dmg media and focus on strategic initiatives pivotal to the future of news publishing.
Vere Harmsworth, currently director of publishing strategy, will become chief commercial officer of dmg media.
James Welsh, deputy CEO, will support Harmsworth in his new position, and take on an expanded role, spanning the Metro, dmg media’s US and Irish businesses, and its print, legal, human resources and finance operations.
Lord Rothermere, chairman of dmg media, said: “We are committed to accelerating digital innovation at dmg media. For more than 125 years, we have adapted and thrived through a series of seismic changes, and today our audience is larger and more diverse than it has ever been.
“As the tectonic plates of our industry shift once again, I am delighted that Rich is becoming Vice Chairman of dmg media – a role in which his leadership will be vital to navigating the future of our industry.
“We stand on the cusp of further change, and I am confident that our brands will continue to captivate readers, viewers and listeners under Danny’s and Ted’s leadership.”
“Thanks to his experience running a successful digital newsroom, and his strong team-building skills, Danny is ideally qualified for his new role.
“Ted is an exceptionally talented editor with an acute understanding of the Mail and its readers. Under his leadership, the Mail will continue to create the world-class journalism that informs and delights readers everywhere.”
Danny Groom, publisher and CEO, said: “I’m hugely excited to have the opportunity to help shape our vision as we embrace a new set of digital challenges and opportunities. Ted and I are already a great team and today’s changes will enable us to produce even more world-beating content for our ever-expanding number of platforms.
“dmg media’s brilliant teams in London, New York, LA and Sydney are the envy of the publishing world – not just in editorial, but in commercial, tech and product too. We are determined to continue creating more innovative products for our users and advertisers.”
Ted Verity, editor-in-chief Daily Mail, said: “With our unrivalled team of journalists and executives - and determination to produce the kind of journalism we know our audience wants to read - I see no reason why the Mail can’t become a dominant global media brand. I look forward to working closely with Danny Groom to make this happen.”
Rich Caccappolo, vice chairman of dmg media, said: “I believe our industry is on the brink of a significant structural transformation, which should ensure the long-term sustainability of publishers that invest in great journalism.
“We have a powerful brand, strong operating performance and an owner with a long-term vision, which have helped us drive these changes. It is crucial that we seize these opportunities as they arise.
“The Chairman has asked me to focus on opportunities for our company and the industry, and I am honoured to lead this charge.”
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