New York – News Corporation has announced a restructuring of its senior leadership team, which oversees the company’s media and entertainment properties. Peter Rice, who has served as Chairman of Entertainment for FOX Networks Group (FNG) since 2010, has been elevated to Chairman and CEO of FNG, where he will oversee all programming and operations for the group, which includes FOX Broadcasting Company, FOX Sports Media Group, FX, FOX International Channels and the National Geographic Channels.
David Hill, who has served as Chairman and CEO of FOX Sports since 1999, has been elevated to Senior Executive Vice President, News Corporation. In this new role, Hill will focus on programming, digital initiatives and other opportunities spanning the breadth of the company’s operating units across Latin America, Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States.
Commenting on the promotions, Chase Carey, News Corporation President and COO, said: “The contributions that Peter has made to News Corporation over the years are immeasurable. Peter has proven himself at both the FOX Entertainment Networks, and FOX Searchlight before, to be one of the most innovative and strategic leaders in the entertainment industry.”
Carey continued: “David has proven himself to be one of the true visionaries in sports and entertainment across three continents during the last three decades and most recently has helped energize our National Geographic Channels. As we continue to grow our content brands across the world, David’s unique leadership and experience will be invaluable.”
David Haslingden, President and COO of FNG, and Mike Hopkins, President of Distribution for FNG, both of previously reporting to Carey, will now report to Rice. Randy Freer and Eric Shanks, Co-Presidents of FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG), who previously reported to Hill, will also report to Rice. Kevin Reilly, President of Entertainment for FOX Broadcasting Company, and John Landgraf, President and GM of FX, will continue to report to Rice.