News Corp CEO Kim Williams resigns – HWT managing director Julian Clarke to take role

News Corp has announced that Kim Williams (left) has resigned his post as chief executive of News Corp Australia, a role he has held since December 2011.

Effective Monday, he will be replaced by Julian Clarke, currently managing director of HWT, a position he held for 16 years.

Says Rupert Murdoch, News Corp executive chairman: “I want to sincerely thank Kim, first for his nearly two decades of service to News Corp; but more importantly, for his loyalty and friendship to me and my family all of these years.

“From the early days when we opened Fox Studios Australia, to his tenacious work building Foxtel and Fox Sports into the powerhouse it is today, Kim has always operated with great integrity and skill. It was with that in mind that I turned to him and asked him to leave the security of the pay TV business and takeover the whole of our Australian operations as chief executive of News Corp Australia.

“Kim has been a steady and courageous leader at a time when our businesses have faced unprecedented pressure and economic challenges. I want to thank him for his unwavering commitment, and the blood, sweat and tears he has put into News Corp Australia. We wish him well in all future endeavours and look forward to continuing our friendship in the years to come.”

Williams was appointed chief executive of News Corp Australia after 10 years as chief executive of Foxtel. He previously held various executive positions, including as chief executive of Fox Studios Australia, the Australian Film Commission, Southern Star Entertainment and Musica Viva Australia, and served as a Senior Executive at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Says Robert Thomson, chief executive of News Corp: “Kim feels now is the right moment to leave the company, which he has served for two decades, following the successful implementation of the first stage of News Corp Australia’s strategy to drive integration and improve efficiency, to invest in its editorial products and publishing system, and secure a path of growth in a multi-platform world.

“He has been a powerful, eloquent and effective advocate for media freedom and freedom of speech in Australia. His leadership against hastily conceived ‘reforms’ ensured that the vigorous and vital debate that has characterised our country will endure. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for that strong and principled stand.”

Says Williams: “I am confident that I leave the company in a strong position and with good foundations for the future. It has been a privilege to work for News Corp across almost 20 years, and I have no doubt it will remain the most memorable element in my professional commercial life. News has many of the finest people in media in our country, and I salute them and their continuing efforts in their service of Australia and Australians.”

Says Thompson: “Kim leaves a remarkable, sustaining legacy at these companies and on modern media in Australia. He will no doubt continue to make important contributions to the development of a dynamic, outward-looking, meritocratic country.”

Williams’ replacement Julian Clarke (left) begins his new role this Monday, August 12.

Clarke is an accomplished leader in the media industry and has been associated with News Corp Australia or its associated companies for 30 years, most recently as chairman of The Herald and Weekly Times.

Says Murdoch: “I am so pleased to have Julian taking the helm at News Corp Australia. He is an experienced executive with a unique understanding of our company’s culture, and the immense energy and clarity of vision necessary to drive our properties forward at this challenging time for all media in all countries. He will certainly bring out the very best in the talented teams in our Australian broadcasting, digital and publishing properties, and have the full support of our dynamic global network.”

Adds News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson: “Julian has vast experience, sublime leadership skills and a profound understanding of the news business. Combined with our deep digital and broadcast bench, his appointment positions us exquisitely for the next phase of development in an era of great upheaval in the media business.”

In addition to its leading stable of newspapers and digital properties and assets, News Corp Australia enjoys a strong broadcasting team, led by Richard Freudenstein of Foxtel and Patrick Delany of FOX SPORTS Australia. News Corp Australia owns 50 per cent of the former, as well as a majority share of REA Group, led by Greg Ellis.

Says Clarke: “It’s a great honour to take on this role in such engaging times. The combination of our assets and talented people makes me confident that we are well placed to embrace the future and further build this exciting company.”

Clarke served as general manager of The Herald and Weekly Times newspaper division prior to News’ successful takeover bid for the HWT group in 1987. He was then appointed deputy chief executive of Queensland Press and returned to Melbourne in 1991 as managing director of HWT, a position he held for 16 years. Mr. Clarke has held directorships on both News Corp Australia and HWT boards.

Clarke is a past board member of the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and past chairman of the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. He is currently a Trustee of Arts Centre Melbourne.