STAR's CEO Michelle Guthrie on her way out; Paul Aiello to take her place

Aiello joined STAR in June, 2006, and has been responsible for developing strategic and business directions for the company and overseeing its overall corporate functions

In a formal statement issued to the media yesterday, STAR Network’s Michelle Guthrie has resigned as its Chief Executive Officer. Guthrie’s departure will be effective from March 1, 2007. Paul Aiello, currently president, STAR, will succeed Guthrie as its CEO.

Aiello joined STAR in June, 2006, and has been responsible for developing strategic and business directions for the company and overseeing its overall corporate functions. Prior to joining STAR, Aiello worked at Morgan Stanley, where he was in charge of its telecom, media and technology group in the Asia Pacific region where he was given the explicit task of providing strategic and investment advice to STAR for more than five years.

Paul Aiello

Rupert Murdoch, chairman and chief executive, News Corporation, says, “Michelle has overseen an important stage of growth at STAR, as it strengthened its position in the Asian market, both in terms of its distribution as well as the depth of its content brands.”

Commenting on Aiello’s elevation, Murdoch adds, ““Paul has done a great job at STAR, leading its corporate team and overseeing its overall growth strategy. His business acumen, leadership and financial skills make him the ideal candidate to steer the long-term growth and success of the company.”

Apart from his time at Morgan Stanley, Aiello has also worked for CS First Boston, The World Bank and Beijing Jeep Corp. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Cambridge in the UK and has studied as an undergraduate at the University of Notre Dame, USA.

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