James Murdoch, the younger son of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, has resigned from his role as executive chairman of News International, News Corporation’s scandal-plagued British newspaper unit.

Mr Murdoch said he would continue to work for News Corp as deputy chief operating officer, expanding his commitment to the company’s television business.

“I deeply appreciate the dedication of my many talented colleagues at News International who work tirelessly to inform the public and am confident about the tremendous momentum we have achieved under the leadership of my father and Tom Mockridge,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Mockridge will continue in his role as chief executive of News International.

News Corp chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch said James had shown leadership at News International and made lasting contributions to the group’s strategy.

“Now that he has moved to New York, James will continue to assume a variety of essential corporate leadership mandates,” Mr Murdoch said.