News Corp head of corporate affairs departs after 10 years with publisher
News Corp’s head of corporate affairs, Stephen Browning, is set to depart the company at the end of this week, ending 10 years with the newspaper publisher.
Campbell Reid, group director, corporate affairs and content innovation, said: “Stephen has been a vital cog in our communications team with great professional experience and I wish him all the best for the future.”
Browning told Mumbrella: “I’ve had a great run at News, but after 10 years in total and four in the current gig, it’s time – if not somewhat overdue – for me to do something new.
“Campbell is setting up his team for the next chapter of the business and the role I was doing isn’t going to be the same moving forward, so it’s a good juncture for me to depart.”
News Corp’s Liz Deegan was appointed to the newly-created role of general manager corporate affairs and relationships on Friday.
She has had a long career at News Corp across both editorial and commercial.
Browning first joined News Corp in April 2006 as the manager of corporate communication before being promoted to director of corporate affairs for News Corp’s online division, News Digital Media. He was then made director of corporate affairs for News’ national broadsheet, The Australian, in March 2010 before being promoted to his current role as News’ head of corporate affairs in February 2012.
Browning said: “I’ve been fortunate to have worked on some amazing projects and have had a lot of fun along the way. There are so many highlights, but some that stand out include launching digital subscriptions at The Australian and then the metros, launching the carbon-reduction initiative, One Degree, the years at News Digital Media, being part of the 2012 transformation team, writing speeches and presentations for the CEOs and execs, and successfully managing a major crisis or two.
“While it’s not as high profile, what I’m most proud of, though ,is the partnership I put together at News Digital Media with Lifeline to launch an online counselling service, which prevented a suicide within 24 hours of going live, and continues to save lives every week.”
Browning said he will “miss the people at News”; however, said he is “more than ready for a fresh challenge”.
“I’ve now got a decade’s experience of corporate affairs and communications at the highest level and can’t wait to start using that experience in a new environment – I’m itching to get going!”
All the very best Stephen. It was an absolute pleasure working with you when we did.
I wish you all the very best and look forward to the next chapter. Wherever you land will be very fortunate to have you. You’re one of the industry’s good guys.
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