MUMBAI: Even as News Corp’s Rupert Murdoch unveiled succession plans for 21st Century Fox with the appointment of his sons James and Lachlan to key positions, News Corp Australia CEO Julian Clarke has decided to step down at the end of the year.

In the wake of Clarke's retirement, the company has roped in APN News & Media CEO Michael Miller as executive chairman for Australasia. Additionally, News Corp Australia COO Peter Tonagh has been upped as CEO and will step into Clarke’s shoes.

With Miller leaving, APN has appointed Ciaran Davis as CEO of the Group, effective 1 September, 2015. Davis is currently CEO of the Australian Radio Network (ARN), a position he has held since January 2010. Miller will remain as APN CEO during a transition period for the company.

APN chairman Peter Cosgrove said, “Michael will work side by side with Ciaran to ensure the smoothest possible transition for the business, and, on behalf of the Board, we wish Michael all the best in his future endeavours.”