Murdoch Sons Assume New Posts at 21st Century Fox

NEW YORK: 21st Century Fox has appointed Lachlan Murdoch as non-executive co-chairman and James Murdoch has been elevated to co-chief operating officer.

As non-executive co-chairman, Lachlan will work closely with senior management and the rest of the 21st Century Fox board in developing global strategies and guiding the overall corporate agenda. Lachlan will divide his time between Sydney and New York. While at the former News Corporation, Lachlan had oversight of HarperCollins and the company’s businesses in Australia. He also served on the board of Foxtel and as chairman of Fox Television Stations and as publisher of the New York Post.

Lachlan is currently a director of 21st Century Fox and News Corp, executive chairman of NOVA Entertainment Group, executive chairman of Illyria, and a director of Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Until recently, he also served as non-executive chairman of Ten Network Holdings. Under his leadership, NOVA Entertainment Group has become Australia’s number one national FM network.

As co-COO, James will partner with President and Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey to set the strategic direction and drive momentum across the company's global bouquet of assets. James will have direct responsibility for Fox Networks Group, which will now report to him. James will also have direct responsibility for the strategic and operational development of the company’s owned and controlled interests in the pay-TV Sky and Star services in Europe and Asia, respectively. James will continue to report to Carey.

James serves as a director of both 21st Century Fox and News Corp. Prior to his current management role, James served as 21st Century Fox’s deputy chief operating officer and chairman and CEO of international, and played an integral role in managing the separation of the company into two distinct companies.

Rupert Murdoch, chairman and CEO, said, "Lachlan is a strategic and talented executive with a rich knowledge of our businesses. From 1994 to 2007, Lachlan’s executive career at the company spanned the globe, culminating as deputy chief operating officer responsible for the group’s most important publishing businesses in addition to its vast U.S. television station holdings. I’m very pleased he is returning to a leadership role at the company, where he will work closely with me, Chase, James and the rest of the board of directors to drive continued growth for years to come.”

He continued, “We are pleased to elevate James into this important role alongside my partner and trusted advisor Chase Carey. I’m confident James and Chase will continue to make a great team during this time of immense opportunity. James has done an outstanding job driving our global television businesses and our shareholders, customers and colleagues will benefit greatly from his many talents. This company has never been better positioned to capitalize on the increased global demand for quality storytelling and news, and our collective future has never been brighter.”

Carey said, “James has been a great partner, and in many ways this appointment formalizes the role he’s been playing for some time, and acknowledges the contribution he has made in driving our businesses to new heights. Over the course of his 17 years with the company, James has played a key leadership role in almost all of our major television businesses, from Mumbai to Munich to London and most recently the U.S. James has a keen sense of international markets, digital platforms—as well as programming—and he brings a modern sensibility to our business which has greatly benefited the company and our shareholders.”

James Murdoch said, “Under Peter Rice’s leadership Fox Networks Group has continued to push creative boundaries across the Company, and has grown tremendously with successful channel launches, including Fox Sports 1 and FXX, an increased international footprint and enhanced sports offerings across the world. Chase and I are delighted Peter is committed to continuing to grow this incredible business and look forward to even more success in the years to come.”