News Corp. said Wednesday that David Haslingden, who has been president and chief operating officer of Fox Networks Group since January 2011, is stepping down at the end of the year.

The media company controlled by Rupert Murdoch said Mr. Haslingden is going to return to his native Australia to spend more time with his family.

The company credited Mr. Haslingden with creating and growing Fox International Channels, which operates more than 350 channels in more than 55 countries. Prior to heading Fox Networks, he was CEO of Fox International Channels and National Geographic Channels Worldwide.

News Corp. President Chase Carey said Mr. Haslingden has been a "driving force" in the pay TV industry and noted that Fox International is one of the company's fastest-growing business segments.

A replacement was not immediately named.