Wolfgang Blau named chief digital officer of Condé Nast International
Since April 2013 Blau has been Director of Digital Strategy for The Guardian, reporting directly to The Guardian’s global Editor-in-Chief as well as to the CEO of Guardian News & Media and has been serving on the company’s executive committee. He had the editorial lead for relaunching the websites and digital tools for the media brand’s British, American and Australian operations. Most recently, he has been part of a four person team to evaluate the organisation’s editorial and commercial strategy and is a moving force behind The Guardian’s new International edition. Before joining The Guardian, he served for five years as Editor-in-Chief of Zeit Online, the digital publication of the weekly German newspaper Die Zeit.
A sought after speaker at industry conferences, Blau is a highly respected figure in the world of digital journalism and publishing. He initiated the Climate Publishers Network, a content sharing alliance of news organisations from more than 30 countries, and is a Vice President of the Global Editors Network in Paris, an association of more than 1,500 editors from 85 countries. He was named Germany’s Chief Editor of the Year for his work at Zeit Online, which won numerous awards under his leadership.
“Wolfgang brings a commitment to journalistic excellence, a deep knowledge of all things digital and international scope to the position. He is the ideal person to take on this hugely important role,” said Newhouse.
Blau said, “I am delighted to take on this new assignment. As a family owned journalistic enterprise, Condé Nast has enormous resources and talent and has a rare, long-term perspective. This presents a unique opportunity.”
Condé Nast International publishes more than 125 magazines around the world in markets outside the United States, including editions of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Wired, GQ, Glamour and Condé Nast Traveller, and produces more than 100 websites and apps which have more than 200m unique users. Blau will oversee all digital activities, working closely with the editors and executives, and will coordinate Condé Nast International’s industry relationships with the large platform companies and social networks.
Condé Nast International comprises operations in Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, China, Russia, Japan, India, Spain, Mexico and many other markets on every continent. Digital Directors and Data Managers in these countries will also report to Blau. He will work in close partnership with his counterparts at Condé Nast in the US and will join the Executive Committee of Condé Nast International.
Wolfgang Blau will start December 1.
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