The Scott Trust has released the conclusions of its 2021 governance review, detailing the structure and membership of its board. The core purpose of the trust is to secure the financial position and editorial independence of the Guardian in perpetuity, with a subsidiary aim of promoting freedom of the press and liberal journalism in Britain and elsewhere.
Board Leadership and Membership
Ole Jacob Sunde, who joined the Scott Trust in 2015, serves as chair, having been appointed senior independent director in 2018 and chair in June 2021. He has been associated with the Schibsted Media Group ASA for over 30 years, serving as chair from 2002 to 2022. He is also a founding board member of the Tinius Trust and a member of the Board of Visitors at Columbia University's School of Journalism.
Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media, has held her position since June 2015, becoming the first female editor-in-chief. Under her leadership, the Guardian developed its reader revenue strategy, leading to millions of supporters funding the publication worldwide while keeping the website free. She also championed diversity in the newsroom and drove the Legacies of Enslavement programme, a 10-year restorative justice initiative.
New and Continuing Members
Tracy Corrigan joined the Scott Trust in December 2022 and chairs the Scott Trust Endowment board. She previously served as chief strategy officer of Dow Jones and held senior editorial roles including editor in chief of the Wall Street Journal Europe. Dr Sam Gregory, executive director of WITNESS, is an internationally recognised technologist and human rights advocate, with expertise in deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation.
Jane Martinson, a journalist and academic with over 25 years of experience, spent 18 years at the Guardian, including roles as head of media and women's editor. David Olusoga, a historian and broadcaster, joined the Scott Trust in June 2018. Dr Jonathan Paine, an investment banker and academic, worked at Rothschild & Co. for 25 years specialising in telecoms, media, and technology.
Additional Board Members
Matthew Ryder KC is a barrister specialising in human rights, media, and regulatory law, having served as deputy mayor of London for social integration from 2016 to 2018. Russell Scott, senior independent director, runs a consultancy in sport content and commercial strategy. Haroon Siddique, journalist director, has worked at the Guardian for over 15 years as legal affairs correspondent.
Dr Margaret Simons, an award-winning journalist and academic, joined in 2022, and Nabiha Syed, CEO of The Markup, brings experience as a media lawyer. Stephen Godsell, company secretary, joined GMG in 2017 as general counsel and company secretary, having previously held senior positions at PA Group and The Economist Group.
