Guardian Australia CEO Ian McClelland has been promoted to managing director for corporate development at Guardian Media Group.
Evelyn Webster, who was the interim CEO of Guardian US, has been appointed as the CEO of Guardian’s American and Australian operations. The business has begun a recruitment process to appoint a new managing director for Guardian Australia. Guardian Australia CFO Matt Connor will act as interim managing director and McClelland will remain on the board of GNM Australia until the new managing director starts.
McClelland will relocate to London in April 2018 to take up his new role, having achieved his five-year business plan of financial sustainability for Guardian Australia. The digital edition is forecast to reach around break-even at the end of March 2018.
In his new role, McClelland will focus on using the Guardian’s global 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.
Guardian Australia has experienced a growth in unique audience of 156% since launch in 2013. It is the fifth-most read digital news brand in Australia (Nielsen Digital Ratings Monthly). The local operation has established three revenue streams: Guardian Labs, philanthropy and membership/contributions.
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.”
Guardian Australia editor Lenore Taylor said: “It’s been a great pleasure working with Ian to adapt Guardian Australia to the changing business environment and to launch the membership program which has seen readers respond so positively to our journalism. Guardian Australia CFO Matt Connor will act as interim managing director and Ian will remain on the board of GNM Australia until the new managing director starts.