Store joins from global media agency MEC where he most recently held the position of President, Agency Development, based in New York. He brings over 25 years of agency-side experience, accumulated on both sides of the Atlantic, and will play a key role as the Guardian strengthens its focus on its US business after an extremely successful 12 months.
Over the past year, say the publishers, the Guardian delivered record online traffic in the US, representing audience growth of 12% year-on-year (comScore, May 2014). US revenues more than doubled on the previous 12 month period, reflecting increased advertising and sponsorship demand, whilst editorially, the Guardian won numerous US and global awards for its reporting of the NSA revelations, culminating with the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.
Store will join the Guardian on the same day as incoming US editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, and together they will shape the vision and direction of the next stage of development of the US operation, building on the success enjoyed since launch in 2011.
As CEO, Eamonn will take charge of the overall business and commercial offerings for the Guardian's US operations and will drive digital innovation across all platforms. He will report to David Pemsel, Deputy CEO, Guardian News & Media.
GNM also recently announced that it is opening a West Coast office to accelerate its commercial and digital presence, leveraging business and technology links in Silicon Valley and other parts of California.
David Pemsel, Deputy CEO, Guardian News & Media, said: "We are delighted to confirm Eamonn Store as CEO of Guardian US. He brings a wealth of experience of the US and UK media markets and a strong understanding of our brand positioning and opportunities for growth in the US. His arrival, on the same day as incoming editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, marks the start of a new phase for the hugely admired and respected US operation, and together they will drive ongoing development of the Guardian's US offering as it reaches an ever-wider audience across America."
Katharine Viner, incoming editor-in-chief, Guardian US, said: "I'm thrilled that Eamonn will be joining me at this exciting point in the development of the Guardian's US edition. His invaluable industry experience, deep understanding of the Guardian and passion for our innovative digital journalism make him a terrific partner to deliver on our ambitious plans. I can't wait to get going and see what we can achieve together."
Eamonn Store said: "The Guardian is a brand I have followed since my childhood. As much as I will miss my MEC family, the opportunity to partner with Katharine to help shape the future of the Guardian brand in the US is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. I'm really excited to be given this chance to lead this unique brand that I have admired for many years. So roll on Labor Day and let's get started!"
Eamonn Store and Katharine Viner will take up their Guardian roles in the US on September 2, 2014.
