Tom Mockridge has been appointed CEO of Virgin Media, subject to the company’s acquisition by Liberty Global, scheduled for early June.
Mockridge has served in several senior management roles over the course of more than two decades with News Corporation, including chief executive of European television operations, chief executive of Sky Italia and most recently chief executive of News International.
He will succeed Neil Berkett, who will continue in the role until the closing of the transaction, having previously announced his intention to retire from Virgin media upon closing.
Commenting on the appointment, Mike Fries, president and CEO of Liberty Global, said: “Tom will bring to Virgin Media a breadth of experience in the pay-TV industry, both in the UK and throughout Europe. I have known and worked with Tom for nearly 15 years and have always admired his leadership and operating success in a number of highly competitive media markets. We are fortunate to bring an executive of Tom’s talent and experience in to lead Virgin Media in its next phase of growth. I’d also like to wish Neil Berkett all the best in his future endeavors. He has done an outstanding job at Virgin Media and will be missed by all.”
Mockridge added: Thanks to the incredible energy of its employees and the loyalty of its customers, Virgin Media has become the UK’s leading broadband communications company and has developed an immensely powerful media brand. I keenly anticipate joining the team as it continues to deliver the cutting-edge TV and broadband products and services that excite and inspire its customers across the UK. I’m also excited to become part of the Liberty Global family and look forward to working closely with Mike and his team as they continue to build the world’s largest cable platform.”
Mockridge will report to Fries, as well as to a newly formed operations committee comprised of Fries, Diederik Karsten, executive VP European Broadband Operations, and Balan Nairexecutive VP and CTO.
