News Corp gives Mockridge additional European TV role

by Jacquie Bowser, Brand Republic 12-May-08, 10:55

LONDON - News Corporation has appointed Tom Mockridge, chief executive of Sky Italia, to the additional role of chief executive of European Television.

Mockridge will now be responsible for overseeing the company's television operations in Europe, outside of the UK, which include Sky Italia, a minority investment in German pay-TV operator Premiere and a number of holdings in broadcasters in areas such as Bulgaria, Poland and Turkey.

He will continue to serve as chief executive of Sky Italia, reporting to James Murdoch, chairman and chief executive of News Corporation, Europe and Asia.

Mockridge takes over from Marty Pompadur, executive vice president of News Corp and chairman of News Corp Europe, who will now focus on overseeing the company's radio ventures in Russia and its outdoor advertising business. Pompadur will also serve as an advisor to the company.

Murdoch said: "Tom has led Sky Italia to become one of the world's most successful pay-TV businesses, now with more than 4.5 million customers. Tom will extend his successful stewardship of Sky Italia to develop our European broadcast operations across the territory.

"Marty has played a vital role in building our broadcast and outdoor advertising network. He is a true pioneer and I am delighted to continue to call on him as we develop the business."