Guardian Australia managing director Rebecca Costello to depart

Guardian Australia Managing Director Rebecca Costello will leave the organisation on 18 September 2026, after almost three years in the role.

Guardian Media Group Chief Executive Officer Anna Bateson made the announcement to staff in an email sighted by Mediaweek on Monday.

Costello's exit follows what Bateson described as "a difficult decision to leave Guardian Australia." Bateson said the departure date had been agreed to allow time "for handover plans and farewells."

The announcement

In her email to staff, Bateson credited Costello with steering Guardian Australia through significant industry upheaval.

"Rebecca has been an excellent Managing Director of Guardian Australia, working closely with our editors, while building and leading our commercial teams through a period of major industry change and digital disruption, as well as being a key member of our global executive team," Bateson said.

"She leaves Guardian Australia's business and team stronger and well equipped to meet future opportunities," Bateson said. "I have greatly valued her partnership, and on behalf of the entire organisation I wish her well in her future career.

Bateson said further details on interim leadership and succession planning would follow. "Thank you to everyone for your hard work and focus; Guardian Australia is extremely well-positioned, and I feel very optimistic about our future success." 

Costello's reflection

In a separate email to staff, Costello said the timing reflected a natural handover point rather than any single trigger.

"There is always more that can be done. There always should be. But there also comes a point when you recognise that an organisation is ready for what comes next, and so are you. For me, that time is now," Costello said.

She said her tenure had covered "a period of enormous change," pointing to commercial and audience growth as key achievements.

"We have navigated a period of enormous change together: strengthening the business, sharpening our strategy, building new capability and deepening our relationships with audiences and partners.

“I will be leaving proud of what we've achieved and of the organisation I leave behind. Guardian Australia is stronger, clearer about where it's going and well positioned for what comes next, with an extraordinarily talented group of people to take it forward.”

What's next for Costello

Costello, who has spent more than 25 years building and leading media businesses, said she had not yet settled on her next move.

"I'm going to give myself something I haven't had much of: some time to think about what I want the next part of my working life to look like," she said.

Bateson said Guardian Australia would communicate its succession arrangements to staff in a follow-up update.