Cowley left a legacy of success

Ken Cowley lived a life that spanned the gamut of human experience, from a childhood spent living in a tent in western Sydney to a career that reached the pinnacle of the corporate and political world. There were highs and lows along the way, but Mr Cowley leaves a loving family and a rich legacy that includes helping to deliver Rupert Murdoch’s vision for The Australian newspaper back in 1964. As a close confidant of News Corp executive chairman Mr Murdoch, Mr Cowley led the Australian operations of News Limited for 17 years, first as managing director, then chairman and chief executive, and finally as executive chairman before his retirement in 1997. He continued to serve News on its board for another 14 years until 2011.

Behind the executive titles was a man with an adventurous spirit who helped to transform the newspaper business, pulling it through the challenging transfer to computerised production that was a precursor to the great disruption of digital publication that is transforming the industry today. Mr Murdoch said Mr Cowley’s leadership was integral to News Corp’s growth from a small publisher to Australia’s finest media company. He said Mr Cowley was always immensely proud of the special role he played in the birth of The Australian and to then see it become one of the world’s best newspapers. News Corp co-chairman Lachlan Murdoch said Mr Cowley’s “tremendous legacy” was his passion for The Australian, “to ensure it survived its challenging early days to prosper as Australia’s best national news brand”.

Aside from newspapers, Mr Cowley had a passion for the bush. He was chairman of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Outback Heritage Centre in Longreach, Queensland, and he transformed the business of bush outfitter RM Williams. His appreciation of the rugged challenges of life on the land kept him grounded in the adventure of a life fully lived. Mr Cowley supported Mr Murdoch’s vision for The Australian to be a forum for debate and advocacy that would contribute to the nation’s progress. Almost 60 years later, his achievement lives on in this masthead.