Guardian bolsters senior digital team with former Google and Net-a-Porter execs

Meanwhile Boundy joins from his role as head of web operations at Net-a-Porter, prior to which he was web operations manager at BSkyB.

The move signals the publisher’s ongoing strategy to stay abreast of the continuously evolving digital landscape and its subsequent disruption of news publishing.

Maher said: "News publishing is just at the start of what will be a long-term digital evolution. As a highly respected and innovative global brand, Guardian News and Media is in the perfect spot to drive this process, and has the resources, determination and vision to do just that. I look forward to joining the very talented digital development teams at the Guardian as we help define the future of high quality, reliable news and reporting."

Both Maher and Boundy will start their new, UK-based roles in February, reporting to chief digital officer Tanya Cordrey.

Cordrey said the appointments demonstrate the publisher’s continued investment in “top global digital talent” which will help lead it through its next wave of digital innovation.

“I am delighted to welcome Shannon and Stuart to the team at what is a very dynamic time at the Guardian. In 2013 we changed to a new global domain, saw double-digit digital revenue growth, and cemented our position as the world’s third largest English-language newspaper website. 2014 promises to be an even more exciting year in terms of audience growth, engagement and digital innovation,” she said.

This month GNM’s CEO Michael Bloom is due to depart the publisher, as it revealed last December.

GNM’s chief commercial officer David Pemsel will work closely with the US commercial team to oversee the transition, and will take on a new expanded role himself as deputy CEO.