Fox Legal Chief Adam Ciongoli Steps Down; Nick Trutanich Named Successor

Fox Corporation is preparing for a strategic leadership transition within its corporate legal division as Chief Legal and Policy Officer Adam Ciongoli prepares to step down. The media conglomerate confirmed that Ciongoli will not renew his executive contract, officially vacating his current role on December 1. Despite ending his tenure as chief legal officer, Ciongoli will remain closely tied to the corporation, transitioning into a special adviser role that is slated to run through June 2028.

Taking over the executive legal duties is Nicholas Trutanich, who currently serves as Fox Corp.'s executive vice president and principal deputy general counsel. Following the transition, Trutanich will step up as general counsel, reporting directly to Lachlan Murdoch, the executive chair and chief executive officer of Fox Corp. Murdoch expressed gratitude for Ciongoli’s contributions over his three-year tenure while voicing confidence in Trutanich, highlighting his deep expertise in legal matters, litigation, and corporate compliance gained during his five years with the organization.

This leadership shuffle occurs at a pivotal moment for Fox Corporation, which is currently navigating a massive $22 billion acquisition of streaming media platform Roku. While shareholders from both organizations have already approved the transaction, the deal remains subject to regulatory review and clearance by the U.S. Department of Justice. The merger is anticipated to reach completion in the first half of 2027, making a smooth legal transition vital to managing regulatory oversight.

Ciongoli brought a diverse array of corporate and public sector experience to Fox when he joined in 2023. Prior to his tenure at the media company, he served as legal counsel and corporate responsibility head at Campbell Soup Co., and held chief legal roles at Lincoln Financial Group, Willis Group Holdings, and Time Warner Europe. His distinguished public service record includes advising former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, serving as chief counsel for a Senate judiciary subcommittee, and clerking for Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. Trutanich’s appointment reflects an internal succession plan aimed at providing legal stability and continuity during a period defined by major strategic expansion.