News Corp has appointed its first Australian chief operating officer in two years, picking up Peter Tonagh from Foxtel as new CEO Julian Clarke starts to make his mark on the company.

The last COO for the company was Peter Macourt, who exited at the same time as then John Hartigan.

Clarke said in a statement: “Peter is an outstanding media executive who over the last decade has been critical in driving the growth and success of Foxtel.

Among his many achievements Peter has overseen Foxtel’s overall strategy, the acquisition and integration of Austar, key channel negotiations and an increase in Foxtel’s expenditure on content including local production.

“In his position as COO he will be responsible for helping drive the business to its next stage of growth. Peter has a proven track record in strategy and financial management and will be an important addition to our senior management team. He will also be a key interface with our related companies, Foxtel, Fox Sports and the REA Group.”

Tonagh (pictured) said: “It’s a privilege to have been asked to be chief operating officer of a company with such a strong heritage in journalism, deep connection with its customers and with such great print and digital assets.