Marty Pompadour, the head of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp European division, is leaving the company after nearly a decade spent developing the firm's broadcasting and outdoor advertising sectors in Russia and Eastern Europe, Reuters reported Friday.

The company stated that the step was part of a transition plan that began in May, when Tom Mockridge was named chief executive of European television. Rupert Murdoch's son, James Murdoch, is currently in charge of News Corp's European and Asian operations.

Pompadour will continue to contribute to the company, but only as an external advisor.

Rupert Murdoch may be worried about investing in Russia, even though his group's News Outdoor sector is “particularly strong in Russia,” Reuters reported. He is also reportedly discussing with France's outdoor advertising group JCDecaux to merge certain businesses.

News Corp may also be selling off its Bulgarian assets and is revising its Polish operations, since Poland's market may be “more difficult” than presumed, according to Reuters.