James Murdoch steps down as Sky Chairman

James Murdoch has resigned from his position as Chairman for BSkyB but will continue to serve as a Non-Executive Director, according to a statement from the satellite company.
Previous Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, Nicholas Ferguson, will replace Murdoch as Chairman while Tom Mockridge, who joined the Board in February 2009, has been appointed as Deputy Chairman. Andrew Higginson, who has been a Director of BSkyB since September 2004, succeeds Nicholas Ferguson as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director.

In a letter to the Board setting out the reasons for his resignation, Mr Murdoch said: “As attention continues to be paid to past events at News International, I am determined that the interests of BSkyB should not be undermined by matters outside the scope of this Company.”
He added: “I am aware that my role as Chairman could become a lightning rod for BSkyB and I believe that my resignation will help to ensure that there is no false conflation with events at a separate organisation.”
Commenting on Murdoch’s resignation, Nicholas Ferguson said: “The Board’s support for James and belief in his integrity remain strong. We understand his decision to step aside at this time and we both welcome and look forward to his continued contribution as a non-executive director.”