NEW YORK (TIP): Indian American executive Lavanya Chandrashekar has been named the next Chief Financial Officer at News Corp succeeding Susan Panuccio who plans to step down from the role on Jan 1.
Chandrashekar, 52, comes to the media giant after a successful run as CFO of Diageo,  a premium beverages company, and 25-plus years in global finance and investor relations. She has previously held senior positions at blue chip consumer companies, including Procter & Gamble.
Panuccio, who has been an integral part of News Corp since joining as CFO in 2017, will serve in an advisory capacity after she steps down to ease the transition for Chandrashekar, who will be paid $1.4 million in annual base pay as well as other incentives.
During her tenure at Diageo from 2021 to September 2024, Chandrashekar led the company through a period of profitable and accelerated growth, with the company growing at a 10.5% CAGR, according to a News Corp release.
“An innovative global executive, Chandrashekar spearheaded and launched a multi-faceted global digital transformation program for Diageo. Her passion for mission and culture enabled the development and elevation of talent across the company,” it added.
“I am thrilled to welcome Lavanya to News Corp, and look forward to her joining our leadership team,” said News Corp Chief Executive Robert Thomson. “Lavanya’s mix of financial acumen, global experience and proven integrity were compelling characteristics of her professional personality. Lavanya has meaningful experience leading transformation initiatives, and her support will be welcome as News Corp continues its ambitious journey.”
“I have tremendous respect for News Corp and its leadership team, and am honored to join them,” said Chandrashekar. “I am fortunate to be joining this company during an exciting period of growth and transformation and look forward to taking on the challenge of helping to shepherd News Corp into the future.”
Headquartered in New York, News Corp Is a global media conglomerate led by Rupert Murdoch, the Australian media mogul. The company has interests ranging from media to digital real estate services to publishing. It primarily operates in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.