Senior executive changes at News Corp Australia

News Corp today announced that Julian Clarke (left) will retire at the end of this year as the Australian division's CEO.

Peter Tonagh, currently the chief operating officer will take over as CEO and Michael Miller (right), currently CEO of APN, will rejoin the company as Executive Chairman of News Corp Australasia.

Both appointments will report to News Corporation CEO Robert Thomson, who heads the company’s global operations.

Thomson said with Miller and Tonagh leading News in Australia and beyond, News Corp has the region's two most talented executives driving the development of the company, confronting the challenges that face all media companies, and taking full advantage of the opportunities generated by digital disruption.

“Our clear plan is to use Australia as a base for a significant expansion of our presence in Asia, while ensuring that our traditional businesses in Australia are developed to their full potential.

"Whether in broadcasting or the powerful platform that is print or in digital classifieds, we have a team that will vigorously pursue growth and strive to inculcate the sense of social purpose that has always been the cornerstone of the News Corp culture.

"We must all recognise the genuinely extraordinary work of Julian Clarke, who has helped to fortify the foundations for our future, and done so with dignity, creativity and integrity. Julian's contribution to the company and to Australia will echo for many, many years to come," Thomson said.