The Guardian has appointed chief editor of German publication Zeit Online, Wolfgang Blau, to the new role of director of digital strategy as it looks to better capitalise on the scale of its online audience. Blau will work across Guardian News and Media's (GNM) editorial and commercial teams to develop digital content and products to grow its online audience and boost the company's appeal to advertisers. When he joins in April next year he will report jointly to chief executive officer Andrew Miller and editor in chief Alan Rusbridger.

Guardian News and Media Limited appointed the former ITV marketing director David Pemsel to the new role of chief commercial officer. The hiring coincides with the departure of the executive director, Adam Freeman, and the global commercial director, Chris Pelekanou. Pemsel had been working at the company as its interim chief marketing officer. His new role will include overseeing the company's marketing function and its sales teams. In addition, the company has promoted Tanya Cordrey, the director of digital development, to chief digital officer. Pemsel will report to the company’s chief executive, Andrew Miller.

Guardian News and Media Limited is to axe up to 100 editorial jobs after its operating losses widened from £31.1 million to £44.2 million. The company outlined plans to cut £7 million of editorial costs, as part of an existing commitment to make savings of £25 million by 2016-2017, culling between 70 and 100 of 650 editorial jobs in the process.