News Corp (NASDAQ:NWSA) (NASDAQ:NWS) announced the departure, effective September, of chief digital officer Jonathan Miller, “to return to an operational, entrepreneurial role with a standalone company.”
The announcement comes as News Corp (NASDAQ:NWSA) (NASDAQ:NWS) prepares to eventually split into two separate entities – a publishing company and an entertainment one.
News Corp’s Press Release gives Miller credit for enhancing focus on digital content distribution and monetizing existing brands on new platforms. Miller also strengthened the company’s relationships with the technology industry, and supervised some important investments, such as stakes in Roku and the Bona Film Group. He also represented the company on Hulu’s board of Directors.
This is Rupert Murdoch’s comment on Miller’s departure from News Corp: “Jon Miller is a visionary in the digital media industry, and his commitment to News Corporation over the last three years has driven us to truly evolve the way millions of people use new platforms to consume news and entertainment. As we prepare for our proposed Company separation, I respect Jon’s desire to return to an operational, entrepreneurial role with a standalone company. He will be missed and I can’t thank him enough for his efforts and many valued contributions.”
According to this article in AllThingsD, citing sources, Miller will continue to function as an adviser to Rupert Murdoch, James Murdoch, and COO Chase Carey through fall 2013.
The article cites News Corp (NASDAQ:NWSA) (NASDAQ:NWS)’s relationship with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) as Miller’s achievement, as he set about enhancing links with large and small internet companies. Though he was unable to revive MySpace, he managed to sell it and other non-performing assets.
Murdoch’s comment above is significant for including the word “entrepreneurial.” Recall that before joining News Corp., Miller managed an investment fund along with Ross Levinsohn, and continues to be an active private equity investor in start-ups such as Maker Studios, Voxer, Science, and others. So it’s quite possible that Miller could be returning to familiar territory and starting a new venture.
