Guardian News & Media names National Public Radio marketer Zach Brand as chief digital officer
Guardian News & Media has snapped up Zach Brand from American media business National Public Radio (NPR), to be its chief digital officer.
Guardian News & Media names National Public Radio marketer Brand as chief digital officer.
He replaces Aron Pilhofer, executive editor of digital, who had filled the role on interim basis, when he joins at the start of November.
Brand will assume responsibility for all aspects of the media company’s digital product and technology strategy, spanning the publisher’s site, apps and content management systems. This will see him take charge of the Guardian’s product, user experience, digital development and enterprise and technology teams, a role that will see report to both editor-in-chief Katharine Viner and chief executive David Pemsel. Brand also sits on the Guardian News & Media Executive Committee.
Of his appointment, Brand said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Guardian, a brand I have admired for many years. I am passionate about digital news organisations and the role that technology can play in enabling quality journalism to find new audiences and build closer relationships with those who already value its role in society."
Prior to joining, Brand was vice president for digital media and services at NPR, where he led the creation of its NPR One app as well as the redesign of its content management systems. Prior to joining NPR in 2007, Zach spent time as director of IT Services at The Washington Post.