News Corp director to step downl

Matthew Anderson, News Corporation's group director of strategy and corporate affairs in Europe and Asia, is to leave his London-based post at the end of March. Anderson is to return to the US to 'pursue new opportunities' but, according to a statement, will continue as a senior advisor to Rupert Murdoch's media empire, 'focusing on select international initiatives and relevant directorships'. Anderson moved to News Corporation in 2008 from British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB), where he spent three years as group director, communications and brand marketing. He began working with Star TV and News Corporation in 2000 when he was chief executive for the Asia Pacific region of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide based in Hong Kong. "For more than a decade, Matthew has made a valuable contribution to building News Corporation's businesses in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He is a tenacious and effective executive whose counsel and skills have made a real difference," said Rupert Murdoch, chairman and chief executive, News Corporation. Anderson added: "It has been a great privilege to work for the world's most diverse, global and dynamic media business. Few companies so consistently combine vision with the risk-taking and grit that's required to bring about positive change and innovation in our industry. I look forward to continuing my relationship with News Corporation as I return home to the San Francisco Bay area." Anderson – in effect News Corporation's chief communicator – worked closely with the company's deputy chief operating officer, James Murdoch, during his tenure. He is thought to have played a key role in helping co-ordinate News Corporation's response to the phone hacking allegations that have rocked the company's newspaper operations in the UK.