NEW YORK: Lachlan Murdoch, the future chairman and CEO of Fox, the company to be spun-off in connection with the merger of 21st Century Fox with The Walt Disney Company, has announced key leadership appointments across the company’s sports, distribution, ad sales operations and corporate functions.
The New York-based company, which owns TV and cable channels including Fox News, said Tuesday it is promoting Eric Shanks to CEO of Fox Sports from president, chief operating officer and executive producer of the division.
The corporate restructuring is a consequence of Disney’s $71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s film and television assets, which closes in 2019.
Other key appointments include:
Mike Biard, elevated to president, Operations and Distribution for Fox from president, Distribution for Fox Networks Group;
Paul Cheesbrough, promoted to chief technology officer and head of Direct to Consumer Platforms for Fox; currently serves as 21CF’s CTO;
Marianne Gambelli, elevated to president of Ad Sales for Fox; currently serves as president of Ad Sales for Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network;
Steve Tomsic, promoted to Fox’s chief financial officer; currently serves as 21CF’s EVP, Finance and deputy CFO.
The appointments are effective upon the close of 21CF’s Disney transaction and the creation of Fox.
“We are fortunate to be able to continue working with these enormously talented executives who have helped make our businesses the incredible successes they are today,” said Lachlan Murdoch. “Collectively they bring to Fox the vision, entrepreneurial spirit and proven track records to position Fox to seize future opportunities for its leading and deeply resonant brands across sports, news and entertainment.”
As previously announced, John Nallen will be appointed chief operating officer of Fox, Suzanne Scott will continue to serve as chief executive officer of Fox News and Fox Business Network, and Jack Abernethy will remain chief executive officer of Fox Television Stations. In addition, Viet Dinh was recently named the chief legal and policy officer of Fox.
