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James Murdoch survives mutiny at Sky

James Murdoch has blasted president Donald Trump's excuses for far-right violence in Charlottesville.

James Murdoch has blasted president Donald Trump's excuses for far-right violence in Charlottesville. Photo: BskyB/Tim Anderson/Getty

A majority of independent shareholders at European pay-TV operator Sky have voted against the reappointment of James Murdoch as a company director.

Murdoch, who is Sky’s chairman, was saved by votes from its largest shareholder, 21st Century Fox.

The vote against reappointment was spurred by concerns that Murdoch, who is CEO at 21st Century Fox, is not independent.

Sky said it would “engage” with those who voted against him, but expressed the belief that by having an independent director as deputy chairman, Aberdeen Asset Management CEO Martin Gilbert, and Andrew Sukawaty as senior independent director, the board had protected the interests of independent shareholders.

“The board notes the significant vote against resolution 11, the re-election of James Murdoch as a non-executive director, and is aware that some proxy advisory services recommended that shareholders vote against his election on the basis that he is not independent,” Chris Taylor, company secretary, said in a statement, referring to calls by Sky shareholder Royal London Asset Management and shareholder advisory firm Pirc for Murdoch to be removed from the board.

“The board decision to re-appoint James as chairman was unanimous and recognised that he is a highly experienced executive with extensive knowledge of the international media industry and has been a strong contributor to Sky since he joined the board in 2003.

“The board is confident that with the appointment of Martin Gilbert as deputy chairman and Andrew Sukawaty as senior independent director, there are strong governance processes in place to protect the interests of independent shareholders.

Nevertheless, we will engage with those shareholders who voted against the resolution.”

– Leo Barraclough

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