Tom Mockridge Exits News International Amid News Corp. Restructure

NEW YORK: Tom Mockridge is leaving his post as the CEO of News International at the end of the year, to be replaced by BSkyB COO Mike Darcey, while several new appointments have been made by News Corporation in the wake of its publishing spinoff.

Mockridge has been the CEO of News International since July 2011. He is leaving at the end of the year "to pursue other opportunities," a statement from News Corp. said. Darcey, who has served as COO of BSkyB since 2006, will take over. Rupert Murdoch, the chairman and CEO of News Corporation, commented: “For nearly 22 years, it has been my pleasure to have Tom Mockridge as a colleague. Whether it was his early days with our newspaper group in Australia, his incredible work building SKY Italia, or his steadfast leadership of News International, Tom has always been a skilled executive and a trusted friend. His decision to step down is absolutely and entirely his own. I am sorry to see him leave us but I know he will be a great success wherever he goes.”

He added, "I’m delighted that Mike Darcey has agreed to take the reins as News International’s new CEO. Mike is a world-class executive with unprecedented strategic and commercial experience and I look forward to benefiting from his many talents. His broadcasting background will provide important leadership in the development of our already impressive suite of digital products at News International."

The resignation comes amid a radical overhaul at News Corp.’s newspaper and publishing business, as it prepares to spinoff from the company’s film and TV assets. Robert Thomson, Down Jones editor-in-chief and the managing editor of The Wall Street Journal, will become CEO of the new publishing entity. The separate publishing group will retain the News Corp. name. The separate media and entertainment company will be named Fox Group. Rupert Murdoch will serve as chairman of the new News Corporation and chairman and CEO of Fox Group. Chase Carey will serve as president and COO of Fox Group, while James Murdoch continues as deputy COO.

"This is an incredibly exciting time, for me personally, and for our companies’ ambitious futures," commented Rupert Murdoch. "The challenges we face in the publishing and media industries are great, but the opportunities are greater."

He continued, "Under Robert’s leadership at News Corporation, we will build on our traditional mission to inform, entertain and enhance the lives of readers and viewers around the world, and relentlessly drive global growth by promoting excellence and investing in our businesses.

"At Fox Group, what began with the acquisition of a modest film studio over 25 years ago has grown into one of the world’s most successful media companies of all times, defying conventional wisdom at every turn by pursuing excellence in creativity and innovation. Fox Group is perfectly positioned to deliver even more inspiring stories that engage audiences through film, television, sports and digital platforms, driving not only financial results but a lasting imprint on the millions of people who enjoy our various services, in every corner of the world."