FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a - 16 or 15d - 16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of September 2003
23 September 2003
BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING GROUP PLC
(Name of Registrant)
Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 5OD England
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Yes No X
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): Not Applicable
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
EXHIBIT NO. 1 Press release of British Sky Broadcasting Group plc
announcing Directorate released on 23 September 2003
23 September 2003
BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING GROUP PLC
Re: Directorate
Tony Ball to step down as BSkyB Chief Executive
The Board of British Sky Broadcasting Group plc ('the Company' or 'BSkyB') today
announces that Tony Ball, Chief Executive, has informed it that he has decided
not to renew his service contract with the Company.
Mr Ball will continue as Chief Executive until a successor is appointed, which
is likely to be well before his current contract ends on 31st May 2004. Mr Ball
will also resign as a Director of the Company on a date to be determined on or
before 31st May 2004 although he will remain available to give advice and
assistance to the Company until the end of May 2004.
The Board would like to express its thanks to Mr Ball for the Company's
outstanding operational and financial achievements under his leadership, since
he joined the Company in June 1999. During that time:
- subscriber numbers have doubled to almost 7 million and continue to
grow;
- revenues have doubled to GBP3.19 billion;
- the transition to digital has been completed;
- the churn rate has fallen from 13.4% to 9.4%; and
- BSkyB has returned to profitability after a sustained period of
investment in digital.
The Board has agreed that the Nomination Committee under the Chairmanship of the
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, Lord St John of Fawsley, should, in
accordance with best practice, immediately initiate a search process for Mr
Ball's successor and make recommendations to the Board. In addition to Lord St
John of Fawsley, the Nomination Committee will comprise John Thornton, Allan
Leighton and Gail Rebuck, each of whom is an Independent Non-Executive Director
of the Company.
Rupert Murdoch, Chairman of BSkyB, said:
"Tony Ball has shown himself to be one of the outstanding businessmen in
Britain. Under his leadership Sky has successfully brought digital TV to
millions of British homes. The Company now stands ready to reap the rewards of
its investments. Tony leaves behind a talented group of executives and I am
confident that they will continue to deliver fantastic results for all
shareholders. I look forward to continuing an active association with Tony as a
consultant to News Corporation across all of our television platforms."
Tony Ball said:
"I have enjoyed my time at Sky enormously, and am very proud of the achievements
of the whole team. I leave with many happy memories and a firm belief that the
Company is now well positioned to continue to deliver on its operational and
financial targets. I look forward to helping to make the transition to a new
Chief Executive as seamless as possible."
Notes to Editors
Following his departure from BSkyB, Mr Ball will become a consultant to News
Corporation.
Enquiries:
Analysts/Investors:
Neil Chugani Tel: 020 7705 3837
Andrew Griffith Tel: 020 7705 3118
E-mail: investor-relations@bskyb.com
Press:
Julian Eccles Tel: 020 7705 3267
Robert Fraser Tel: 020 7705 3036
E-mail: corporate.communications@bskyb.com
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING GROUP PLC
Date: 23 September 2003 By: /s/ Dave Gormley
Dave Gormley
Company Secretary