News Corp. Nominates Chao, Uribe for Board

Current directors Andrew Knight and John Thornton to retire after upcoming annual meeting

By Jon Lafayette -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/4/2012 5:05:47 PM

News Corp. has nominated former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao and former Colombia president Alvaro Uribe as new directors of the media company.

The company also said that current directors Andrew Knight and John Thornton will retire from the board after the upcoming annual meeting. Director Arthur Siskind will serve as a Director Emeritus, continuing to attend board meetings but no longer voting on resolutions following the annual meeting.

In the wake of the scandal surrounding the phone hacking at News Corp.'s British newspapers, there were questions raised about the independence of the company's board of directors.

News Corp. chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch praised the new nominees. 

"Elaine Chao's notable career spans the public, private and non-profit sectors," Murdoch said in a statement. "As Secretary of Labor she was recognized for her focus on empowering American workers, responding to globalization and improving our country's competitiveness.  Her vast experience leading complex, large scale organizations will make her a valuable asset to the board."

Murdoch said that "as president of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe was a transformative figure who saved his country's democratic institutions, revitalized its economy and restored the security of its people.   His outstanding leadership skills and international perspective will provide important insights into Latin America for our Directors." 

Chao was Secretary of Labor from 2001 to 2009. Since then, she's been a distinguished fellow at The Heritage Foundation. Earlier in her career she held post with the United Way, the Peace Corps and Citicorp. She also serves as a director for Wells Fargo & Co., Dole Food Co. and Protective Life Corp.

Uribe served two terms as president of Colombia from 2002 to 2010. He has served as a member of the international advisory council to JP Morgan.