British newspaper, The Guardian named Katharine Viner its new editor-in-chief making her the first woman to run the 194-year-old publication.
She will take over from current chief, Alan Rusbridger, who will be stepping down to become the chair of the Scott Trust, which owns the paper.
44-year-old Viner, who will will start her new role in the summer of 2015, is currently the deputy editor of the Guardian and runs its US operation.
She headed The Guardian 's web operations in Australia before becoming deputy in September 2014.
Board members of the Scott Trust received 26 applications, drew a short list and narrowed it to two candidates before making the selection. Viner won 53 per cent of the votes from The Guardian and sister publication The Observer's staff in a ballot held earlier this month, The Guardian reported.
"Being editor-in-chief of The Guardian and Observer is an enormous privilege and responsibility," Viner said. "I intend to lead a media organisation that is bold, challenging, open and engaging."
"Kath rose up through The Guardian as an inspired magazine and features editor," Rusbridger said. "She will bring immense experience, flair, warmth, imagination and formidable energy to her new role as editor of The Guardian."
Liz Forgan, outgoing chair of the Scott Trust, said the paper conducted an "international" search, but chose to promote Viner after a seven-hour meeting because she "shone through in what was a tremendously strong line-up of candidates."
Under Rusbridger, The Guardian aggressively expanded its digital initiatives, including launching the online-only versions in the US and Australia.
The paper also gained prominence among American readers with its investigative stories about the US government surveillance, based on classified documents leaked by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden in late 2012.
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