Freudenstein to leave COO post at BSkyB in 2006

British Sky Broadcasting Group has announced that Richard Freudenstein, its Chief Operating Officer, intends to return to his home country of Australia in the summer of 2006.
Freudenstein joined Sky in 1999 as General Manager and was appointed Chief Operating Officer the following year.
He will continue to play a major role with the company until next summer - notably focusing on the launch of high definition television and completing a number of significant rights negotiations. Freudenstein said it is a personal decision to return home.
Freudenstein said: "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."
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."
(SP)