• by Sara Guaglione , December 2, 2019

Guardian Media Group has named Anna Bateson its interim CEO. She has served as the first Chief Customer Officer of the Guardian News & Media division since 2017.

David Pemsel resigned as CEO of GMG in October, after serving over eight years in the role. He was preparing to take on the job of chief executive of the Premier League, the English soccer league, in two months, but resigned last week after allegations regarding his private life.

GMG announced Bateson’s appointment Friday.

“Since joining The Guardian in 2016 and taking responsibility for our brand and reader revenues in 2017, Anna has helped us achieve impressive revenue growth, while also working closely with editorial colleagues on marketing and brand activities,” said a Guardian Media Group spokesperson.

As chief customer officer, Bateson was in charge of The Guardian’s membership, subscription and contributions programs, as well as partnerships with tech companies like Google and Facebook. She also led the publisher's syndication and licensing businesses, as well as other consumer revenues, including The Guardian’s live events. 

Bateson also oversaw The Guardian’s brand and marketing. She joined the publisher as vice president for platforms and partnerships in 2016.

GMG says the recruitment process for a permanent CEO continues. 

“The nominations committee of the board is pleased with our progress so far. We hope to make an announcement early in the new year,” the spokesperson said.