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New comms head at News International

May 21, 2012

News International has brought in the Mayor of London's director of external affairs, Guto Harri, as its new director of comms.

Guto, who starts in the new role today, will lead ongoing media management and provide the News International board with strategic reputational guidance.

He will report to News International chief executive, Tom Mockridge.

Tom said: "Guto's experience as a communications professional, along with his solid journalistic background, means he is well qualified to lead us through the challenges we face as NI continues to change and progress."

Guto spent 18 years as a journalist before a brief stint in PR, and four years as director of external affairs and spokesman for the Mayor of London. He left City Hall after helping Boris Johnson get re-elected for a second term.

He has reported on a range of stories for TV, radio and online from many countries and presented several respected BBC programmes. He was posted to Rome and New York, and became chief political correspondent after many years at Westminster.

Guto said: "News International has some of the most respected journalists in the UK, produces the most popular newspaper and has set itself the task of being the best governed media organisation in the future. 

"These are challenging times for the print industry in general and News International in particular. But with a proud heritage and firm commitment to serious journalism in print and online I relish the chance to play my part in helping the new leadership secure a strong future."

Guto Harri replaces Andrew Honnor who held the position in an interim capacity and has recently set up Greenbrook Communications.

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