Guardian Media Group (GMG) has hired former ITV Hub boss Paul Kanareck to lead its global reader revenues strategy.
As chief customer and commercial officer, Kanareck will also oversee print publishing, marketing, live events, masterclasses and ecommerce. He also joins GMG Ventures’ Advisory Committee.
Kanareck has two decades’ experience working across digital, creative and direct-to-consumer industries. Since February 2019 he has been managing director at Wizarding World Digital (a joint venture between Warner Bros and J.K. Rowling), where he built and led the digital arm of the global Harry Potter franchise and signed up 24m new members to the fan club.
Prior to this, he spent over seven years at ITV plc, culminating in an almost five year stint as managing director of online. During that time, he launched the ITV Hub streaming service – building an audience of 30m registered users – and launched the first broadcaster subscription service in the UK with ITV Hub+.
At ITV Kanareck was also responsible for all digital content and news, as well as building the commercial broadcaster’s brand extensions business in gaming, advertiser partnerships and live events.
“I’ve been a life-time and devoted reader of the Guardian and it is a privilege to be joining at such a critical time,” Kanareck said.
“Accelerated digital disruption is increasing the need and demand for high-quality and independent journalism whilst challenging all aspects of the business. The Guardian has a rich history of innovation and it has the fundamental talent, values and audience relationships to thrive globally.”
The appointment follows the departure of chief revenue officer Hamish Nicklin earlier this year.
GMG chief executive Annette Thomas added: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to the Guardian. He brings us a track record in driving customer-centric strategies with transformational results across the media industry.
“Deeper relationships and growing digital reader revenues are at the heart of the Guardian’s future strategy. The board and I are excited to work with Paul to fully realise The Guardian’s enormous potential.”
