Top Spokeswoman at Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., Teri Everett, to Leave Company

NEW YORK - News Corp. top spokeswoman Teri Everett is leaving the conglomerate as of Feb. 10, with Julie Henderson being elevated to the role of chief communications officer.

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Chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch said in an internal memo that "it is with great regret that I have accepter her resignation." Two sources said Everett had signaled an interest in new challenges after more than a decade at the company a while back, but decided to wait for a move until the fire storm surrounding a phone hacking scandal, in which the company has been embroiled, had calmed down a little.

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Everett joined the company in 2000 as vp, corporate communications, spearheading News Corp.’s Los Angeles communications initiatives. Her title was senior vp of corporate affairs and communications.

Henderson, who has overseen the company's West Coast communications operation and worked closely with Everett, is being promoted to senior vp, corporate affairs and chief communications officer, expanding her current communications and strategy roles to add oversight of all global communications, corporate affairs and corporate social responsibility efforts. While dividing her time between Los Angeles and New York, she will remain based in LA and report to president and COO Chase Carey.

"I will always be grateful to Rupert and Chase for their support over the years and am thrilled that Julie will be succeeding me," she said in a statement. "While it may be a tired cliche, I am ready for something new.”

Murdoch lauded Henderson and her track record. “Julie is simply one of the most talented communications executives in the media business and her elevation is a natural fit for the company." he said. "She has expertly run our West Coast communications operations for several years."

Said Henderson: "“News Corporation is one of the world's most innovative and forward-thinking media companies, and I look forward to working closely with our senior leadership to position the company at a time of great change and enormous opportunity."

Murdoch also thanked Everett. “I am immensely grateful to Teri for leading our communications efforts so adeptly in recent years,” the mogul said. “During her more than 10 years with News Corporation, Teri gained not only the trust and respect of all who worked with her – but my great appreciation as well. She has been one of our most effective and well-liked executives. I respect her decision and wish her sincere good luck in her next endeavors.”

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com

Twitter: @georgszalai