The lawyer who represented Rebekah Brooks when she was accused of involvement in phone-hacking has been made general counsel for News UK.
Angus McBride is currently a partner at law firm Kingsley Napley. His new role includes overseeing all legal activity and compliance for the News UK – which changed its name from News International in 2013 in the wake of phone-hacking allegations which led to the closure of the News of the World.
News UK chief executive Brooks said: "When I first spoke to Angus last autumn about joining us in this capacity, he was reluctant to give up the work that he loves.
"I am thrilled that he has decided to join us as he is always ten steps ahead and has a huge capacity to grasp quickly the full spectrum of issues. I have come to trust him implicitly and believe that News UK will benefit from his legal expertise, wise advice and strategic approach."
McBride said: "I hope that my 25 years in practice working at the cutting edge of high-profile litigation will strengthen the team in confronting the ever more complex legal landscape the industry faces. I relish the challenge."
McBride replaces Emma Moloney who is departing at the end of January for a role yet to be announced.
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