Launch editor of The Guardian Australia Katharine Viner has been named as Alan Rusbridger's replacement when he steps down as editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media in the coming months.
The Scott Trust, who own the news site, appointed Viner this morning with the chair of the Trust, Liz Forgan, explaining that Viner shone through in what was a tremendously strong line up of candidates.
“In her 18 years at the Guardian Viner has done almost every editorial job in the organisation, including running Guardian US and Guardian Australia, and has shown herself to be an inspiring and courageous leader,” Forgan said.
“She has embraced the huge changes in the industry with creativity and relish whilst bringing with her a deep commitment to the Guardian’s traditions of plural, liberal journalism. The Scott Trust is confident that Katharine, building on the extraordinary achievements of Alan Rusbridger, is the right person to lead the Guardian and the Observer as we expand on new platforms and in new markets”.
Of her appointment, Viner said she is honoured to take-over from Rusbridger whose tenure will be remembered for prize-winning journalism and pioneering advances in the Guardian’s global reach.
“Being editor-in-chief of the Guardian and Observer is an enormous privilege and responsibility, leading a first class team of journalists revered around the world for outstanding reporting, independent thinking, incisive analysis and digital innovation,” Viner said.
“Building on Rusbridger's track record, I intend to lead a media organisation that is bold, challenging, open and engaging. It will be a home for the most ambitious journalism, ideas and events, setting the agenda and reaching out to readers all around the world.”
The appointment of the new editor-in-chief was made following a search by The Scott Trust in conjunction with an executive search firm. There were 26 applications in total.
Rusbridger announced he was stepping down from the role in December of last year, after 20 years in the business. However he isn't going far, in 2016 he is taking up the position of chair of The Scott trust.
Under Rusbridger’s editorship, The Guardian has been transformed from a British newspaper into a global voice, with one of the most-read English language news websites in the world. In October theguardian.com had 111.5 million unique browsers globally.
Rusbridger also oversaw its award winning investigation of the surveillance activities of the US National Security Agency, following the leaks of Edward Snowden.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.