One of the top executives at Fox is set to leave the company. Viet Dinh, Fox Corp.’s chief legal and policy officer as well as the company’s general counsel, is stepping down from his position and will assume the role of a special adviser starting from December 31. Dinh, an experienced lawyer, has played a prominent role in Fox Corp., with some likening him to a shadow COO within the Murdoch-controlled company.
This news comes in the wake of a significant legal setback for Fox Corp. earlier this year. The company settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems for a hefty sum of $787 million. Although it is not clear whether Dinh’s departure is directly linked to the lawsuit, it is noteworthy that Fox is also facing another suit from Smartmatic, another voting company. This lawsuit is expected to commence in 2025.
Lachlan Murdoch, the executive chair and CEO of Fox, expressed his appreciation for Dinh’s contributions and service to the company, highlighting his role as a board member of 21st Century Fox and his valuable input as a member of Fox’s leadership team over the past five years. Murdoch stated that they are grateful for Dinh’s decision to continue serving as a Special Advisor, as they believe his counsel will be beneficial to the company.
According to a securities filing, Dinh will be receiving a severance payment amounting to $23 million. Additionally, he will be compensated with $5 million for a two-year term as a special adviser. As outlined in the transition services agreement, Dinh’s consulting role will involve providing assistance and advice to the company regarding ongoing litigation at the time of his appointment.
Related Post
Dinh joined Fox in 2018 and played a crucial role in the company’s sale of its entertainment assets to Disney the following year. His departure represents a significant change for Fox Corp. and raises questions about the direction the company will take moving forward.
The settlement of the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit was a major development for Fox Corp., both financially and reputationally. The substantial payout reflects the seriousness of the allegations made against the company. The lawsuit accused Fox of spreading false information and promoting baseless conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election. The settlement, which occurred outside of court, was seen as an attempt to mitigate the potential damage to the company’s reputation.
The ongoing legal battle with Smartmatic adds further uncertainty to Fox Corp.’s future. The lawsuit alleges similar claims to the Dominion case, accusing Fox of disseminating false information about the voting technology company during the 2020 election. While the trial is not scheduled to begin until 2025, the outcome could have significant implications for the company and its standing in the media landscape.
Dinh’s departure raises questions about how Fox Corp. will navigate these legal challenges without his expertise. As a veteran lawyer, Dinh undoubtedly played a key role in shaping the company’s legal strategy and defenses in these cases. His absence may impact Fox’s ability to effectively defend itself against the allegations made by Dominion and Smartmatic.
Furthermore, Dinh’s departure may signify a broader shift within Fox Corp. and its management team. As a trusted confidant of the Murdochs, his exit could serve as an indication of potential changes in the company’s leadership structure and decision-making processes. Additionally, it raises the question of who will step in to fill the void left by Dinh’s departure and whether they will be able to effectively carry out his responsibilities.
Overall, Viet Dinh’s departure from Fox Corp. represents a significant development for the company. His exit comes at a critical time as Fox faces legal challenges and attempts to rebuild its reputation following the defamation lawsuit settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. As a trusted executive within the organization, Dinh’s absence may pose challenges for the company as it navigates these legal battles and determines its future direction.
