Rebecca Costello is set to step down from her role as managing director of Guardian Australia in September.
In her role, Costello has directed Guardian Australia through a period of substantial change with a focus on business strategy, developing new capabilities, and strengthening relationships with audiences and commercial partners.
Her leadership has been acknowledged by Anna Bateson, CEO of Guardian Media Group, who stated, “Rebecca has been an excellent managing director of Guardian Australia, working closely with our editors, and leading our commercial teams to succeed through a period of major industry change and digital disruption.”
“She leaves a Guardian Australia business and team that is stronger and well-equipped to meet future opportunities. I have greatly valued her partnership, and wish her well in her future career.”
With over 25 years of experience in building and leading media businesses, Costello has made a significant impact on Guardian Australia.
Reflecting on her time at the company, she said, “We have navigated a period of enormous change together, strengthening the business, sharpening our strategy, building new capability and deepening our relationships with audiences and partners.”
Costello expressed pride in the achievements made during her time at Guardian Australia.
“I will leave proud of what we’ve achieved and of the organisation I leave behind. Guardian Australia is stronger, clearer about where it’s going and supported by an extraordinarily talented group of people,” she said in a statement provided to B&T.
“I’ve spent much of my career in journalism because I believe deeply in its value. Quality, independent journalism plays an essential role in a healthy democracy, and it has been a privilege to lead the Australian business of an organisation built around that purpose.”
Costello described her role at Guardian Australia as one focused on recognising the needs of the organisation at a particular moment and helping it move forward.
“Some roles are about building something from the ground up. Others are about recognising what an organisation needs at a particular moment and helping move it forward. My time at Guardian Australia has very much been the latter,” she noted on LinkedIn.
“There is always more that can be done. There always should be. But there also comes a point when you recognise that an organisation is ready for what comes next, and so are you. For me, that time is now,” her post reads.
Costello also expressed gratitude to her colleagues.
“None of what we’ve achieved happens without people. I am enormously grateful to everyone across Guardian Australia who has worked alongside me. I’ve learned from them, been challenged by them and remain incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.”
