News Corp. Names EVP for Office of the Chairman

NEW YORK: Joel Klein, a former New York City Department of Education chancellor, has been hired by News Corporation as the executive VP of the office of the chairman, reporting to chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch.

Klein will act as a senior advisor to Murdoch on a wide variety of initiatives, including developing business strategies for the emerging educational marketplace. Klein spent nearly a decade as New York City chancellor, with oversight for nearly 1,700 schools. He was formerly the U.S. chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann and also served the Clinton administration in a number of roles, including Deputy White House Counsel.

"We’re very fortunate to have a leader of such exceptional depth join the senior executive team of News Corporation," said Murdoch. "His record of achievement leading one of the country’s toughest school systems has given him a unique perspective that will be particularly important as we look into a sector that has long been in need of innovation."

"I’ve long admired News Corporation’s entrepreneurial spirit and Rupert Murdoch’s fearless commitment to innovation," commented Klein. "I am excited for the opportunity to be part of this team—and to have the chance to bring the same spirit of innovation to the burgeoning education marketplace."