Kanareck (pictured) was previously managing director at Warner Bros, where he led the digital arm of the Harry Potter franchise.

Prior to that, he was managing director of online at ITV and launched the broadcaster’s ITV Hub streaming service.

Kanareck will oversee the company’s digital reader revenue strategy, print publishing, marketing, live events and e-commerce. He also joins the advisory committee of venture capital fund GMG Ventures.

Annette Thomas, chief executive at Guardian Media Group, said: “Paul brings us a track record in driving customer-centric strategies with transformational results across the media industry. Deeper relationships and growing digital reader revenues are at the heart of the Guardian’s future strategy.”