Broughton will lead the title to the next stage of growth and diversification.
Broughton will assume the role of CEO from 1 October, while Zach Leonard will move to a new US-based role of global chief operating officer and president, North America, with a specific focus on growing the US business.
The two appointments establish a leadership team for a fresh phase of global expansion, alongside editor-in-chief Geordie Greig, who was appointed at the start of this year.
“These key appointments along with our brilliant leadership in data, commercial, technology plus licensing and syndication will assure our successful global expansion,” said chairman John Paton.
Broughton joined The Independent in 2005 and has held roles spanning the editorial and commercial sides of the business. In 2016, Broughton and Leonard took The Independent fully digital, and now they will work together to unlock the title’s global potential, the publisher said.
“Christian is uniquely qualified to step up as chief executive as we continue to embark on the next phase of our global growth strategy, focusing global expansion and developing diversified revenue streams,” Paton added. “He brings a critical combination of journalistic nous and business acumen, having led our successful transition from national newspaper to global news platform, and more recently defining and driving forward our commercial strategy.”
“We’ve seen outstanding growth under Zach’s leadership, expanding to seven different editions around the world, and I’m delighted that he will be growing our thriving US business.”
Broughton said: “It is a great honour to be taking on this role for the next chapter of The Independent’s remarkable growth story – expanding the business, opening up new horizons for the brand, and empowering our journalism.”
Leonard commented: “I look forward to developing The Independent brand, business, audience and influence in North America, at a time where Independent values – particularly trust and objectivity – are desperately needed.”
