Alan Rusbridger: Former Guardian editor will not return as chair of Scott Trust

The former Guardian editor-in-chief faced opposition from the newspaper's new management

Alan Rusbridger stepped down as editor-in-chief of the Guardian in 2015 (2013 Getty Images)

Former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger has said he will not return as chairman of the Scott Trust, after he faced opposition from the newspaper's new management.

Mr Rusbridger, who stepped down as editor-in-chief of the newspaper in 2015, was due in September to become chair of the Scott Trust, which owns the Guardian Media Group.

The 62-year-old faced opposition from his successor, Katherine Viner, and Guardian Media Group chief executives.

Mr Rusbridger has been blamed by senior Guardian figures for Guardian News and Media's £80 million losses over the last year.

In an email to Guardian staff, seen by the Independent, Mr Rusbridger wrote: "I wanted to let you know I will not be returning to chair the Scott Trust later this year."


 Rusbridger's leadership saw the paper expand to an international media organisation (PA)

The email continued: "On my appointment to the Scott Trust job in November 2014 the Chair of GMG, Neil Berkett, was kind enough to say publicly:

'Alan has set the standard for journalistic leadership in the digital age. His appointment to lead The Scott Trust coincides with rapidly rising readership, continued innovation and secure finances at the Guardian. His successor will inherit a global media organisation in very strong health and with clear prospects for further growth.'

"The difference between that assessment and the way things look now is a measure of how much the world has changed."

Mr Rusbridger added: "Kath and David clearly believe they would like to plot a route into the future with a new chair and I understand their reasoning."

During his two decades in charge, he has pioneered The Guardian’s transformation from a small but influential print brand to a digital platform with a global audience.

Nonetheless, Guardian News & Media still reported a loss of £30.6m in the year to the end of March 2014.