Lavanya Chandrashekar Appointed New CFO of News Corp

Lavanya Chandrashekar has been named CFO at News Corp. She brings over 25 years of experience. Her leadership has enhanced numerous organizations’ financial strategies and digital initiatives.

Lavanya Chandrashekar, a successful Indian-American financial executive, was recently nominated as the new CFO of News Corporation (NWSA: NASDAQ)‚. With over 25 years of experience in leadership roles in global finance, she is known for her achievements and pioneering work in the field, with a reputation for driving profitable growth, leading large-scale transformations, and fostering a strong organizational culture.

Education and Early Career

Chandrashekar’s academic foundation in finance and business management set the stage for her illustrious career. She earned her bachelor's degree in commerce from Bangalore University, India, and later pursued her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, USA. This combination of academic rigor and cross-cultural exposure laid the groundwork for her rise in the global corporate landscape.

Journey and Leadership

Before joining News Corp, Chandrashekar was the CFO of Diageo (LON: DGE), a global leader in premium beverages, from 2021 to September 2024. She spearheaded the company's digital transformation, delivering an impressive 10.5 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Her leadership of a global digital transformation program has driven profitable growth and modernized Diageo's operations, positioning the company for long-term success.

Beyond financial leadership, Chandrashekar focused on fostering talent and strengthening Diageo's organizational culture. She is recognized for her passion for people development and for creating an inclusive environment that enables teams to thrive. Her efforts at Diageo earned her a reputation as an innovative and mission-driven leader who understands the importance of aligning business goals with organizational values.

Her career includes senior positions at Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), where she developed a strong foundation in financial strategy, investor relations, and operational excellence. Her diverse experience across industries has equipped her with the tools to lead complex organizations through periods of growth and transformation.

Personal Values and Leadership Style

Chandrashekar's leadership philosophy aligns financial strategy with a company's mission and long-term vision. She believes digital transformation is a tool for operational efficiency and a critical enabler of innovation and customer-centricity.

In addition to her financial expertise, Chandrashekar is deeply committed to developing talent and building high-performing teams. She has often emphasized the importance of empowering employees, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for individuals to grow within an organization. Her leadership style is characterized by her ability to balance strategic foresight with a focus on culture. She believes that a strong corporate culture is essential to sustaining business success.

Her commitment to adapting to changing markets and consumer expectations ensures that her organizations remain agile and competitive. Her leadership at Diageo exemplified this vision as she navigated a vibrant and competitive industry while delivering exceptional financial performance.

Role at News Corp

Chandrashekar's diverse background uniquely suits her new role as the new CFO. Her ability to drive growth and lead transformative initiatives will be critical as News Corp navigates a rapidly developing digital landscape. Her appointment underscores the company's commitment to leveraging global expertise to strengthen its financial and operational frameworks.

In her words, Chandrashekar admired News Corp's leadership and excitement about contributing to its growth story. She will leverage her global finance and strategic leadership expertise to support News Corp's ambitions, particularly in advancing its digital initiatives and strengthening its market position.