Guardian Media Group has appointed Baroness Rebuck, the chair of book publisher Penguin Random House UK, and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales to its board.

They join other high profile figures on the board of the Guardian and Observer’s parent company including chairman Neil Berkett, chief executive David Pemsel, Guardian News & Media editor-in-chief Katharine Viner and O2 chief executive Ronan Dunne.

Berkett said: “Both Gail and Jimmy are leaders in their respective fields and we’re delighted that they have chosen to join the GMG board.



“The publishing industry is changing rapidly and their collective expertise, along with that of the existing board members, will ensure we continue to be strongly placed to adapt to future challenges, leading the way with our groundbreaking journalism.”

Rebuck, who was chief executive of Random House for 22 years until its merger with rival Penguin in 2013, also chairs the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

“Having led a book publishing company for many years, I am aware of both the challenges and opportunities within the industry,” said Rebuck, who entered the House of Lords in 2014. “I am a Guardian devotee and look forward to working with the board and the dynamic executive team.”

Wales is founder of not-for-profit online encyclopedia Wikipedia and co-founder of Wikia.com.

“I have always admired the Guardian’s bold, independent and courageous open-source journalism and am thrilled to be joining the GMG board,” said Wales. “I can’t wait to get started.”