WSJ’s Thomson expected to be named CEO of company

News Corp. plans to name Robert Thomson, managing editor of The Wall Street Journal and editor in chief of Dow Jones, as chief executive of its publishing company as early as next week, according to people familiar with the matter.

John Jannarone of The Journal writes, “Other details, such as senior executive appointments, board members, and the name of the publishing company may also be announced but a final decision hasn’t been made, these people said.

“Gerard Baker, currently Mr. Thomson’s deputy, is expected to succeed him as managing editor of the Journal.

“News Corp. is in the process of splitting into two listed companies, one containing its entertainment assets, such as the 20th Century Fox film studio and Fox News cable channel, and the other housing publishing assets, including Wall Street Journal publisher Dow Jones, its British and Australian newspapers, HarperCollins book publishing and Australian television assets. The company is expected to complete the split by the end of June.

“News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch said at the company’s shareholder meeting in October that details of the publishing company’s management and board makeup would be announced before the end of the year. News Corp. has previously said that Mr. Murdoch would remain chairman and CEO of the entertainment company but only chairman of the publishing company.”

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