James Murdoch steps down as BSkyB Chairman
Under pressure, James Murdoch relinquishes a key role with BSkyB, but remains on their board.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News, Top Stories
Following on-going headlines and hacking investigations in the UK, James Murdoch is stepping down as chairman of Pay TV giant BSkyB.
He remains a member of the BSkyB board.
In a statement BSkyB said: “Mr Murdoch is succeeded as chairman of BSkyB by Nicholas Ferguson, who was appointed as a director of the company in June 2004 and previously served as deputy chairman and senior independent non-executive director. Tom Mockridge, who joined the board in February 2009, has been appointed as deputy chairman. Andrew Higginson, who has been a director of BSkyB since September 2004, succeeds Nicholas Ferguson as senior independent non-executive director.”
In a letter to the board Murdoch said he had been privileged to serve first as chief executive and then as chairman.
“As attention continues to be paid to past events at News International, I am determined that the interests of BSkyB should not be undermined by matters outside the scope of this company.” He added: “I am aware that my role as chairman could become a lightning rod for BSkyB and I believe that my resignation will help to ensure that there is no false conflation with events at a separate organisation.”
Source: The Guardian