Joe Earley, chief operating officer at Fox Television Group, will step down at the end of the year, the company said Thursday (Oct. 29). 

The well-respected exec has been COO for Fox Television Group since August 2014 and has had oversight of marketing and communications, digital, research, talent relations, scheduling and audience strategy at Fox Broadcasting Co., while partnering with 20th Century Fox Television's development, production, business affairs, marketing and finance leads on strategic initiatives, as well as publicity and talent relations at the studio.

"Joe is one of the most talented executives and gifted leaders we've ever had the pleasure of working with, so we are saddened that he has decided to step down," said Gary Newman and Dana Walden, co-chairs and co-CEOs of Fox Television Group. "We have been discussing his desire to get closer to the creative process for a while now, and although we would love for him to stay at Fox for another 21 years, we understand and fully support his plans to take on new challenges. ... We know we'll be working with him again soon."

Earley was COO of Fox Broadcasting Co. before taking that title to Fox Television Group. Prior to that, he was president of marketing and communications for the Fox network. Previous titles include executive VP of marketing and communications, and executive VP of publicity. He joined Fox 21 years ago as a publicist.

"Because of the entrepreneurial spirit that pervades Fox, and the incredible support of the teams across the network, I have been afforded unbelievable opportunities for growth and new experiences," Earley said.

Read more at broadcastingcable.com.