In the newly created role, Taylor will be responsible for commercial strategy across the division and focus on working with different platforms and cross-promotional opportunities between GMG brands.
Taylor, who starts in September, will report to John Myers, chief executive of GMG Radio. His position at Guardian News and Media has not yet been filled.
Taylor joined The Observer in 1988 and has since held a number of senior positions within GNM, also holding the position of general manager of The Guardian.
In his new role he will work closely with Julian Carter, GMG Radio sales director, across the division's rapidly expanding portfolio of stations, which has grown from six to 11 in less than a year following the acquisition of the Century and Saga stations in 2006.
Myers said Taylor would help the division "unlock the enormous opportunities" across a "variety of different commercial platforms".
"It needed someone of great experience and stature, and clearly we have found that person in Stuart," he said.
Andy Carter, who is currently acting managing director of Smooth in London, will remain in the role until the end of the year before returning full time to his original job as managing director of Real Radio in Wales.
.jpg)
.jpg)