According to GMG, the appointment of Pemsel - currently deputy chief executive, comes at a time of sharply increased digital revenues, higher overall sales and increased investment in journalism at the company behind theguardian.com and the Guardian and Observer newspapers.
Neil Berkett, chair of GMG, said: "David has been a key architect of GNM's commercial success, digital strategy and international expansion. I am therefore delighted that he is now stepping up to the top job, unquestionably one of the most demanding and exciting roles in the media industry. I know that he will build on the strong strategic platform put in place by Andrew Miller, who has done an outstanding job as chief executive. David's appointment, following a thorough executive search, signals our confidence in the future potential of our journalism and our portfolio."
David Pemsel said: "GMG has changed dramatically in recent years, both in the markets it serves and the technologies at its disposal. I am hugely excited at the prospect of managing the next phase of growth at the Guardian, building on our international audience, capitalising on the many commercial and digital opportunities, and, above all, ensuring that our journalism thrives in the years ahead."
Pemsel - who takes up his new role on 1 July 2015 - will manage the commercial, investment and financial strategy of GMG. He will work closely with Katharine Viner, who became editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media earlier this month, succeeding Alan Rusbridger.
In a recent full-year trading update for the financial year ending March 29 2015, GMG said it expected to report a third consecutive year of revenue growth, with group revenues up by 3% to more than £215 million, driven primarily by growth in digital revenue exceeding 20% to over £80 million. Rising digital sales more than offset slowing print newspaper circulation and volatile advertising demand, with group losses from continuing operations expected to narrow for the financial year. GMG will publish its full-year financial report and accounts in July 2015.
