James Murdoch, executive chairman of News International, has stepped down amidst the continuing enquiry in phone hacking within in the media.

In a statement to the press Mr Murdoch said he would retain his role as deputy chief operating officer of the company’s parent group, News Corporation, and would focus on international TV business.

The move comes just six months after the closure of one of News International’s flagship papers, News of World, and less than a week after the launch of the new Sun on Sunday.

Mr Murdoch said: “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 added: “With the successful launch of The Sun on Sunday and new business practices in place across all titles, News International is now in a strong position to build on its successes in the future”.

Rupert Murdoch, James’ father and chairman of News Corporation, said that James would continue to work within the business, with a strong focus on pay-TV and broader international operations.

He added: “We are all grateful for James’ leadership at News International and across Europe and Asia, where he has made lasting contributions to the group’s strategy in paid digital content and its efforts to improve and enhance governance programs”.