Leonard named CEO of The Independent

The Independent has this week promoted Zach Leonard to the newly created role of CEO.

Leonard, who was previously managing director of digital at the online-only publisher, will have a remit focusing on the continued expansion of the title, particularly amongst its growing North American audience.

He will also continue to build on ad revenues and foreign language licensing following the launch of Arabic, Turkish, Urdu and Farsi licensed sites earlier this year. Leonard will work closely with John Paton, who was recently appointed chairman of Independent Digital News & Media.

Leonard joined The Independent and The Evening Standard in 2010 as managing director of digital. He’s driven record audience and revenue growth for the two titles’ digital channels and is credited for leading the transformation to a pure digital publisher following the 2016 closure of its printed product.

“Zach has been an integral part of The Independent as it has become a leading digital news title in the UK, US and across the world,” said Evgeny Lebedev, owner of the Independent and Evening Standard.

“I am confident that his new position will allow him to continue innovating and take us even further.”

Leonard added: “It has been a tremendous privilege to lead The Independent’s digital transformation so far. I look forward to extending the brand’s influence and commercial success in new territories, languages and channels in years to come.”

Recent key hires also include Andy Morley, chief digital revenue officer, and Blair Tapper, SVP of North America.