Virgin Media names new CEO
Ex-News Corporation veteran Tom Mockridge has been named as the new CEO of Virgin Media, in the first major appointment to the company post its takeover by US cable giant Liberty Global.
Mockridge, formerly CEO of News International among other roles there, will take over from sitting Virgin Media CEO Neil Berkett, who announced he will retire after the EC consented to the $15.8bn (£10.3bn) takeover last month. Berkett will continue in the role until the takeover is fully closed.
He will report into Mike Fries, President and CEO of Liberty Global,who cited Mockridge’s experience in the European pay-TV market, during his stint at Star TV and Sky Italia, as reason for his appointment.
He said: “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 endeavours.”
The merged entity will serve 25 million customers in 14 countries and will help grow the Virgin Media brand, both in the UK and across Europe.
The announcement did not refer to any changes in Virgin Media’s marketing team but it is understood it will remain intact led by the recently installed Jeff Dodds.
