Kiwi steps down as head of News International

Tom Mockridge during his time as head of INL. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The New Zealand-born head of UK newspaper giant News International is stepping down.

Tom Mockridge, who has been chief executive of News International since July 2011, will leave the company at the end of the year to pursue outside opportunities, the company said in a statement on Sunday.

Mockridge began his career as a reporter for the Taranaki Daily News, before moving to Australia in 1980 and joining News Limited in 1991.

Rupert Murdoch, chairman and chief executive of News Corp, said: "For nearly 22 years, it has been my pleasure to have Tom Mockridge as a colleague.

"Whether it was his early days with our newspaper group in Australia, his incredible work building Sky Italia, or his steadfast leadership of News International, Tom has always been a skilled executive and a trusted friend.

"His decision to step down is absolutely and entirely his own. I am sorry to see him leave us but I know he will be a great success wherever he goes."

The conglomerate has announced plans to split into two public companies, one for its newspaper and book publishing business and the other for its fast-growing movie and TV operations.

The Wall Street Journal said on Saturday its current managing editor, Robert Thomson, was being named CEO of the new, unnamed publishing company.

Murdoch will be chairman of both companies.

- AAP