Zach will be responsible for all aspects of the Guardian's digital product and technology strategy, including the development and evolution of the Guardian’s core products - from theguardian.com and the apps to its content management systems. Leading the Guardian’s product, UX, digital development and enterprise technology teams, Zach will report jointly to editor-in-chief Katharine Viner and chief executive officer David Pemsel. He will sit on the Guardian News & Media Executive Committee.
Zach Brand said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Guardian, a brand I have admired for many years. I am passionate about digital news organisations and the role that technology can play in enabling quality journalism to find new audiences and build closer relationships with those who already value its role in society."
Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief, Guardian News & Media, said: “We’re delighted that Zach is joining the Guardian in such a pivotal role. His passion for Guardian journalism and understanding of our audience makes him the right person to lead our world-class digital team.”
David Pemsel, chief executive officer, Guardian Media Group, added: “Zach is a real talent and his track history in creating stand-out digital experiences within the news sector makes him ideally suited to this role. We can’t wait to welcome him on board.”
Most recently Zach was Vice President, Digital Media & Services at NPR, the non-profit multimedia organisation and provider of non-commercial news and entertainment programming in America. At NPR, Zach was responsible for leading the team that created NPR One, the company’s fastest growing digital experience, in addition to redesigning NPR’s content management systems and underlying architecture. Prior to joining NPR in 2007, Zach spent time as Director of IT Services at The Washington Post.
Zach will replace Aron Pilhofer, executive editor of digital, who has also been serving as interim chief digital officer and is leaving the Guardian at the end of the month to join the faculty of the School of Media and Communication at Temple University.
