Alex Mahon will assume full responsibility for day to day management of the 28 operating companies within Shine Group. Murdoch will continue as Group Chairman leading Shine’s creative talent, culture and strategy. The changes are effective from September.

Elisabeth Murdoch said: “As Shine further diversifies across genres, geographies and platforms, I believe that the continued growth of the company requires the Chairman and CEO roles to be distinct and separate. Alex has earned this new leadership position in recognition of her substantial contribution to Shine’s growth from a single UK based production company a decade ago to the global business we run today. The division of duties will focus Alex’s attention on managing the operational business whilst allowing me to concentrate on identifying future strategic opportunities and remaining the custodian of Shine’s unique culture of creative excellence.”

Alex Mahon said: “I am delighted to take on the chief executive office at Shine Group. It is a privilege to be given such an opportunity by Liz and our creative leaders. I look forward to continuing to work with her and the amazing team at Shine to realise the group’s collective ambitions.”

Mahon joined Shine Group in 2006 as Managing Director of Shine TV from talkbackTHAMES, where she was COO with responsibility for all commercial and operational aspects of the company. Prior to that, she was Director of Commercial Development and Strategy at FremantleMedia. A non-executive director of the Edinburgh International Television Festival since 2007, Alex also joined earlier this year the board and audit committee of the online retailer Ocado.