News Corp has announced that Fox Sports Australia CEO Patrick Delany will replace Peter Tonagh as Foxtel’s boss, as the merger of the two companies nears completion.
News Corp CEO Robert Thomson thanked Tonagh for his excellent service to Foxtel, News Corp Australia and REA Group during years of great change and challenge in the marketplace.
“There is no question that Peter Tonagh has been a thoughtful, far-sighted leader, and his positive influence will resonate for many years to come,” Thomson said.
“Patrick’s astute and innovative leadership of Fox Sports, combined with his broad experience during his nine years at Foxtel, make him the ideal person to take the helm at such a profoundly important moment for Foxtel.”
Tonagh said: “With the process of bringing Foxtel and Fox Sports together proceeding towards a conclusion soon, it is the right time for me to move on and put Foxtel into the hands of the person who will lead the new company.
“I have known Patrick from his years at Foxtel and Fox Sports, and he is the right person to be at the helm in this new era.
“I am proud of what Foxtel has achieved in recent years. We have dramatically lifted the quality and quantity of Foxtel’s programming while making it more available and affordable for millions of Australians.”
News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said Tonagh’s contributions to Foxtel and News Corp have helped the companies grow during a time of digital disruption.
“We are grateful for his many contributions over the years as News Corp Australia’s chief executive officer and chief operating officer, and as interim CEO of the REA Group,” Miller said.
“We also look forward to working closely with Patrick, who has much experience with the people and opportunities that exist in both Foxtel and Fox Sports.”
Delany, who has led Fox Sports Australia since 2011, praised Tonagh for his contribution to building the Foxtel business, and said he was delighted to now lead the company.
“Peter leaves a great foundation at Foxtel. It has extraordinary assets, great people and a deep subscriber base,” Delany said.
“I’m excited by opportunities at both Foxtel and Fox Sports to give consumers something better, different and special.
“Bringing sports and entertainment to the people of Australia has been the passion of my professional life.”
As arrangements for the final structure of the combined Foxtel and Fox Sports Australia company are made, the latter will be led by Peter Campbell in his current capacity as chief operating officer.
These changes are effective immediately.
