Search for new Guardian chief starts in earnest
GUARDIAN Media Group (GMG) yesterday began the search for a new chief executive after Carolyn McCall’s shock defection to easyJet.
A Guardian spokesman said McCall would remain in place while a replacement is found. Several names have emerged as early contenders for the post.
Tim Brooks, managing director of Guardian News and Media (GNM), is the front-runner, according to industry insiders. He has been in his current position since 2006 and has been tipped to rise to the top of the organisation. He has also worked for IPC Media and Emap, where he was executive
director of its digital division.
Greg Dyke has been named as a possible target from outside the organisation. The former director general of the BBC has been linked to various high profile media jobs and is said to be interested in the post. However, his recent links to the Conservative party, where he was a part of a creative industries’ review, could stand against him.
Highly regarded Independent managing director Simon Kelner has been linked with the role, after his promotion at INM last year. Current Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger has also been touted for a move upstairs.