Murdoch power player Siobhan McKenna retires from News Corp
Siobhan McKenna leaves a long-lasting luminous legacy that will linger long in the lovely luxury lounges at News Corp
Lachlan’s Murdoch’s right-hand woman Siobhan McKenna is leaving News Corp after more than two decades.
McKenna is CEO of broadcasting at News Corp, a role that is largely redundant following the sale of Foxtel Group to global sporting network DAZN.
McKenna played a crucial role in News Corp’s succession plans, and is a director of Lachlan Murdoch’s media investment vehicle Illyria. Mumbrella understands she will remain on the board of Nova, which is owned by Illyria.
News Corp’s chief executive Robert Thomson issued a florid tribute to McKenna in a note to the company’s staff, where he explained her decision is “essentially epochal”, that she “leaves a luminous legacy”, and will be missed by those “who have had the privilege of her presence.”
McKenna will stand down at the end of the calendar year, which Thomson explains, will “provide time to celebrate her achievements individually and institutionally.”
The note continues:
“Under her leadership, both Sky News and Foxtel navigated with nous the treacherous tech landscape and emerged as global success stories, with cutting-edge streaming products and savvy social media strategies that are the envy of lesser competitors.
“She has always been passionate and purposeful. The word “visionary” is often abused, but not in Siobhan’s case, as her ability to perceive the future from haze-shrouded shapes on the horizon is nonpareil. She is irreplaceable but will at least be in our midst until December 31. Even after her elegant exit, Siobhan’s positive influence will echo in the corridors and resonate resoundingly for many years to come.”
Last weekend, Nine’s Good Weekend ran a profile on Kenna, titled: “‘Feared, respected and disliked’: The private powerbroker who has Lachlan Murdoch’s ear”, which details her influence within the Murdoch empire.
In twin pieces published in The New York Times, and The Atlantic in February, McKenna was revealed to be the mastermind behind Project Family Harmony, Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to amend the “irrevocable” family trust to ensure Lachlan gains sole control of the Murdoch empire.
Despite stepping away from News Corp, McKenna’s influence will continue to resonate resoundingly through the boardrooms of Illyria, Nova, Woolworths, Amcil, and The Menzies Foundation, where she hold various chair and director positions.
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