Kevin Reilly stepping down as FOX Broadcasting entertainment chairman

Just a few weeks after presenting the FOX upfronts, FOX Broadcasting company entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly has announced that he will be departing the company by the end of June. Reilly joined FOX in 2007 and was named Chairman of Entertainment in 2012.

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In a release, Reilly said: “21st Century Fox is a great company that has provided me with choice seats at the head table of pop culture over two very rewarding stints both at FBC and FX, and I am grateful to have benefited from the leadership of Peter Rice, Chase Carey and Rupert Murdoch. Peter and I have been discussing this transition for a while, and now with a robust new slate of programming for next season and strength in the FBC ranks, it felt like the timing was as right as it could be. I couldn’t be more thankful to my team – a group of creative, tireless and fun people whose fellowship I will miss.”

Also in the release, Peter Rice, Chairman and CEO of Fox Networks Group, said: “Kevin’s undeniable creative gift and passion for talent have left an indelible mark on our company, and we’re extremely grateful to him for his leadership, beginning with The Shield and Nip/Tuck at FX and continuing through Glee, New Girl, The Following, Sleepy Hollow and Brooklyn Nine-Nine at FOX. Kevin and I have been discussing his desire for a new challenge for some time, so while everyone at the network will miss his enthusiasm for adventurous television, we all respect his decision and agreed that after the upfront presentation was the right time. I’m personally extremely grateful to Kevin for his partnership during the past five years and look forward to working with him again in the future.”

No word on a replacement yet, though during the transition period before one is named, Reilly’s senior executives will report to Rice.

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Debra Rothenberg/FOX