The Independent Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Independent has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and market development.

Driven by a commitment to journalistic integrity, The Independent delivers comprehensive news coverage and insightful analysis, shaping public discourse and informing global audiences.

Leadership Roles at The Independent

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Harbert
  • Chief Executive Officer & General Manager - Thierry Melingui
  • President - Olinto Garcia
  • President - Victor Laniado
  • President - Chong Sang
  • President - Joudimar Reyes
  • President - Vij Neni
  • Presidente JAC... - Jesus Arroyave Rayo
  • John Harbert - Chief Executive Officer

    John Harbert, the Chief Executive Officer at The Independent, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the organization. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion into new digital platforms and ensuring the delivery of high-quality news content across all media channels. Harbert oversees the integration of technological advancements to enhance audience engagement and streamline content production. By fostering a culture of innovation, John Harbert drives the company's mission to provide independent news and analysis to a global readership. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to managing key stakeholder relationships and securing the financial health of the enterprise, ensuring sustained growth and market leadership in the competitive media landscape.

    Thierry Melingui - Chief Executive Officer & General Manager

    Thierry Melingui, the Chief Executive Officer & General Manager at The Independent, manages the day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives that support the company's broadcasting services. This executive oversees the development and implementation of business strategies aimed at expanding market reach and enhancing service offerings. Melingui directs cross-functional teams to ensure operational efficiency and the consistent delivery of news, politics, and culture content. By optimizing resource allocation and driving operational excellence, Thierry Melingui ensures the company's ability to meet evolving audience demands. The Chief Executive Officer & General Manager's role involves cultivating strategic partnerships and overseeing the financial performance of the business, solidifying The Independent's position as a leading news provider.

    Olinto Garcia - President

    Olinto Garcia, the President at The Independent, spearheads initiatives focused on market penetration and audience growth within the United Kingdom and beyond. This leadership position involves defining strategic objectives for content dissemination and digital engagement, ensuring the company's news services reach a broad demographic. Garcia directs the teams responsible for media relations and public outreach, amplifying the company's voice and impact. By championing new content formats and distribution channels, Olinto Garcia enhances The Independent's competitive edge. The President's oversight extends to fostering key relationships with industry partners and ensuring the strategic alignment of all media operations with the company's core mission of delivering independent news.

    Victor Laniado - President

    Victor Laniado, the President at The Independent, drives the strategic development of the company's digital media presence and technological infrastructure. This executive focuses on leveraging advanced analytics and digital tools to optimize content delivery and audience engagement across various platforms. Laniado oversees the integration of new technologies that support the production and distribution of news, politics, and culture content. By ensuring a robust and scalable digital framework, Victor Laniado enhances The Independent's capacity to serve a global audience. The President's role includes managing innovation pipelines and fostering collaborations that advance the company's digital transformation efforts, reinforcing its commitment to independent journalism.

    Chong Sang - President

    Chong Sang, the President at The Independent, directs the strategic expansion of the company's content portfolio, focusing on areas such as long reads, media analysis, and video production. This role involves identifying emerging trends in journalism and audience consumption to inform content strategy and development. Sang oversees the editorial teams responsible for producing in-depth features and multimedia content that captivate and inform readers. By cultivating a diverse range of journalistic voices and formats, Chong Sang strengthens The Independent's appeal to a wide readership. The President's responsibilities include ensuring the quality and integrity of all published content, upholding the company's reputation for independent reporting and insightful commentary.

    Joudimar Reyes - President

    Joudimar Reyes, the President at The Independent, leads the strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the company's operational efficiency and financial performance. This executive focuses on optimizing resource allocation, streamlining workflows, and implementing best practices across all departments to support the delivery of news and media services. Reyes oversees the financial planning and analysis functions, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth. By driving operational improvements and cost-effective solutions, Joudimar Reyes supports The Independent's mission to provide high-quality, independent journalism. The President's role involves managing budgets, overseeing procurement, and ensuring that all operational activities align with the company's strategic objectives and market demands.

    Vij Neni - President

    Vij Neni, the President at The Independent, champions the company's commitment to delivering impactful news and analysis across various sectors, including sport and politics. This leadership role involves guiding the editorial direction and strategic positioning of content to resonate with diverse audience segments. Neni oversees the development of specialized content verticals, ensuring comprehensive coverage and engaging narratives. By fostering strong relationships with contributors and subject matter experts, Vij Neni enhances the depth and credibility of The Independent's reporting. The President's focus includes driving audience engagement through targeted content strategies and maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity in all published material.

    Jesus Arroyave Rayo - Presidente JAC...

    Jesus Arroyave Rayo, the Presidente JAC... at The Independent, directs strategic operations and market development initiatives, particularly focusing on expanding the company's reach and influence. This executive role involves identifying new opportunities for growth and enhancing the delivery of broadcasting services. Rayo oversees the implementation of key business strategies designed to strengthen The Independent's market position and operational capabilities. By fostering innovation and driving efficiency, Jesus Arroyave Rayo ensures the company's continued success in the dynamic media landscape. The Presidente JAC...'s responsibilities include managing critical projects and ensuring alignment with the company's overarching goals for delivering independent news and media content.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Independent Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Independent?
    The Independent is led by John Harbert (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thierry Melingui (Chief Executive Officer & General Manager) and Olinto Garcia (President).
    Who is part of The Independent’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Independent includes leaders such as John Harbert (Chief Executive Officer), Thierry Melingui (Chief Executive Officer & General Manager), Olinto Garcia (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Independent have?
    The Independent has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Independent’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Independent includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & General Manager, President, President, President.