BSkyB’s chief operating officer, Richard Freudenstein, is to leave the company next year to return to his home country, Australia, following the launch of Sky’s high definition (HD) TV service.
Freudenstein joined Sky in 1999 as the company’s general manager, before being appointed chief operating officer the following year. The outgoing TV boss will continue to play a role within the company until next summer, focusing mostly on the launch of Sky’s HDTV service, and completing a number of rights negotiations.
Commenting on the announcement, James Murdoch, BSkyB’s chief executive, said: “From acquiring rights, to spearheading HD and heading the company’s customer operations and commercial relationships, Richard has played a major role in helping Sky set the pace in subscription TV. Richard is a valued colleague, close collaborator and friend. When the time comes, he will be missed.”
Freudenstein added: “After nearly seven years in the UK, the time has come for our family to return home. James and I decided to announce the move now to give us plenty of time to effect a seamless transition. While I am proud of having helped Sky reach its current heights, I’m entirely focused on important milestones ahead and am absolutely sure that the best at Sky is yet to come.”
Sky’s HD service is expected to launch early next year, with the broadcaster continuing to add to its debut channel line-up.
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