Mark Booth Leaves BSkyB For New Media Company

Mark Booth, chief executive of BSkyB, is leaving the broadcaster to set up a new media company called e-partners. Booth has been CEO at the satellite broadcaster since November 1997. e-partners is being funded by BSkyB’s parent company, News Corporation.

Booth will leave BSkyB within the next few weeks, but not until after a successor is found. A committee of the BSkyB board is seeking an external replacement for the chief executive’s spot.

Jérôme Seydoux, BSkyB chairman and a member of this committee, today said: “I regret Mark Booth’s departure, but wish him well in his exciting new venture, which I’m sure will be a great success. I would like to thank Mark for the brilliant job he has done at Sky, leading the most successful launch of digital television anywhere in the world.”

Booth’s new venture, e-partners, has been provided with $300 million equity capital base by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation. e-partners will invest in new media opportunities including the internet, interactive television and wireless communication.

Commenting on the chief executive’s role at e-partners, Booth said: “I look forward to building on the successes we have already achieved in interactive digital television and to creating new opportunities for News Corp and its shareholders.”

Rupert Murdoch said: “Mark has done an outstanding job at BSkyB. He will leave the company in great shape.” Booth was offered the new job after he had been approached by a major internet company.

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