Liberty Global’s proposed acquisition of Virgin Media has received clearance from the EU, but the agreement is still subject to stockholder approval from both companies, which are due to vote on the transaction in early June, according to reports.
Mockridge will leave his most recent position as chief executive at News International for the position, and has held previous C-level roles at European Television operations and Sky Italia.
“I have known and worked with Tom for nearly 15 years and have always admired his leadership and operating success in a number of highly competitive media markets,” said Mike Fries, president and CEO of Liberty Global.
“We are fortunate to bring an executive of Tom’s talent and experience in to lead Virgin Media in its next phase of growth.”
He is set to take over the role from Neil Berkett who will remain as CEO until the transaction has been finalised, when he is then due to retire from the Virgin Media group.
Mockridge will report directly to Fries, as well as an operating committee comprising Fries, Diederik Karsten, EVP of European Broadband Operations, and Balan Nair, EVP and CTO, both at Liberty Global.
“I’m excited to become part of the Liberty Global family and look forward to working closely with Mike and his team as they continue to build the world’s largest cable platform,” Mockbridge said.
