The Guardian UK Appoints First Female Editor-In-Chief

The current deputy editor and editor-in-chief of the Guardian US, Katharine Viner has been promoted to the coveted position of editor-in-chief of The Guardian UK.

Viner is to succeed outgoing editor, Alan Rusbridger. She becomes the 12th editor of the newspaper since it started and the first woman to head up the publication.

Of her appointment, Viner said: “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.

“I am honoured to succeed Alan Rusbridger, whose remarkable tenure will be remembered for prize-winning journalism and pioneering advances in the Guardian’s global reach. Building on his 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.”

Outgoing editor-in-chief Alan Rusbridger said: “Kath rose up through the Guardian as an inspired magazine and features editor. She took Australia by storm before heading up the Guardian’s American operation. She will bring immense experience, flair, warmth, imagination and formidable energy to her new role as editor of the Guardian.”

Viner was chosen via The Scott Trust, the owner of The Guardian. Chair of the Trust, Liz Forgan, said: “Katharine shone through in what was a tremendously strong line up of candidates. In her 18 years at the Guardian she 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.

“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.”

Image via The Guardian.

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