Ian McClelland, currently chief executive of Guardian Australia, is named managing director for corporate development.
Evelyn Webster, currently interim chief executive of Guardian US, is named chief executive of Guardian US and Guardian Australia.
Ian McClelland, currently CEO of Guardian Australia, is named managing director for corporate development, relocating to London in early 2018. Ian joined to launch Guardian Australia alongside Katharine Viner in 2013. His commercial leadership has made the Guardian a major player in the Australian media landscape. Over the last four years Guardian Australia has exceeded its original business growth plan, and is forecasted to break even this year as planned, says the Guardian.
In his new role, Ian will focus on using the Guardian’s assets, capabilities and networks to develop new products and reach new markets and customers. He will report to GMG chief executive David Pemsel and work closely with all parts of the business. The business has begun a recruitment process to appoint a new managing director for Guardian Australia.
Evelyn Webster is appointed as chief executive of Guardian US and Guardian Australia.
Evelyn has been interim chief executive of Guardian US since January 2017. During this time, she has carried out a significant transformation of Guardian US, diversifying and restructuring the organisation alongside editorial colleagues. According to the Guardian, its US operation ends 2017 with robust advertising revenues, rapid growth in reader revenues, and a successful philanthropy strategy. In her new role Evelyn will be chief executive for both Guardian US and Guardian Australia, reporting to Guardian Media Group chief executive, David Pemsel.
GMG chief executive David Pemsel said: “Under Ian’s leadership, Guardian Australia has grown rapidly to become a significant player in the Australian media sector, respected by our readers, advertisers and partners.
“In his new role, Ian will work closely with me to develop the Guardian’s assets, capabilities and networks to reach new markets and customers. Ian’s global experience and track record of creating growth for digital businesses will be crucial to our long-term success.
“Thanks to Evelyn’s leadership, Guardian US is growing well and on track. Her passion for results and innovation, and her extensive experience in global media roles, will be fantastic assets as we position the Guardian for long-term growth in the US and Australia, two of the world’s most dynamic media markets.”
Ian McClelland said: “It’s been a huge privilege to help launch and grow Guardian Australia, which has become a vital and distinctive news source for millions of Australians. It's satisfying to be leaving Guardian Australia in such a robust position; from our brilliant journalism to our strong relationships with advertisers and readers.
“I’m very excited about my new role and helping to put the Guardian on a long-term path to sustainability.”
Evelyn Webster said: “The Guardian brand is a fantastic asset which is respected all over the world. The Guardian’s world class journalism and distinctive outlook clearly strikes a chord with millions of Americans, and we have a significant opportunity to build our business in the US.
“I am really looking forward to working with our high-performing Guardian Australia team, who have a strong track record and a great reputation.
“My focus in the US and Australia will be on growing our business, building strong relationships with our advertisers, growing our reader revenues and creating the conditions for the Guardian’s world-leading journalism to thrive.”
