Sharrock appointed chief operating officer at GMG Regional Media

by Maisie McCabe, Media Week 25-Sep-08, 15:50

LONDON - Guardian Media Group has appointed David Sharrock, chief financial officer of GMG Regional Media, to the role of chief operating officer, a position that has been vacant since the departure of David Benjamin last year.

As part of a management reshuffle at the company following the departure of managing director Mark Rix – who leaves GMG to become chief executive of Catchpole Communications in January next year – Ruth Spratt, digital and broadcast director of GMG Regional Media, will become the company’s new managing director.

GMG Regional Media owns MEN Media, publisher of the Manchester Evening News, and Surrey & Berkshire Media.

Additionally, Alex Davies is to become chief information officer for GMG Regional Media. He will manage the development of the company’s digital platforms. Paul O’Halloran will be the managing director of Surrey & Berkshire Media.

Mark Dodson, chief executive of GMG Regional Media, said the new managerial structure will help the company continue to innovate and develop its product portfolio.