Rupert Murdoch has announced the resignation of John Hartigan from the post of Chairman and CEO of News Limited.

Assuming the role of Chairman will be Mr Murdoch himself.

The controversial 80-year-old is already Chairman, CEO and dominant shareholder of News Corp.

“John’s decision will end a distinguished 41 year career with News in which he has given us exemplary service and incredible leadership,” Mr Murdoch said of Mr Hartigan in a press release announcing the resignation.

Mr Hartigan started as a reporter at the Daily Mirror in 1970, later working for The Sun in London and The New York Post in the US.

After returning home to Australia he worked as editor at a number of newspapers before being promoted to Editor in Chief of The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph in 1986 and then Group Editorial Director for all News Ltd newspapers in 1997.

He was appointed to position of CEO of News Ltd in 2000 and then to the position of Chairman and CEO in 2005.

“Few people have contributed as much as John to the quality of journalism in Australia. He has earned enormous respect among both colleagues and competitors.”

News Ltd is an Australian newspaper publisher of parent company, News Corp.

The company is responsible for a large proportion of the Australian media, owning wholly and in part numerous newspapers, magazines and websites. These include publications such as The Australian, Australian Associated Press, The Daily Telegraph (NSW) and the Herald Sun (VIC).

Prior to the formation of News Corp in 1979, News Ltd was the principal holding for Rupert Murdoch’s business interests.

Mr Hartigan will leave News Ltd at the end of this month and will be succeeded by Kim Williams as CEO who is currently chief executive of Australian subscription television company, Foxtel.

This article first appeared on World News Today.