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John Malone to Step Down as Liberty Media and Liberty Global Chairman on Jan. 1, 2026

The 84-year-old founder will become chairman emeritus and remain a major shareholder with significant voting control, including roughly half of Formula 1’s voting power.

Overview

  • Liberty Media vice chairman Robert R. “Dob” Bennett will become chairman of Liberty Media when Malone transitions to emeritus status.
  • Liberty Global CEO and vice chairman Mike Fries will succeed Malone as chairman of Liberty Global on the same date.
  • Malone said he will stay actively involved as a strategic advisor to management and the boards after leaving both company boards.
  • Company disclosures show Malone holds about 49.5% of Formula One Group’s voting power and approximately 48.9% of Liberty Live’s voting power.
  • The move continues Malone’s gradual step back from public board roles following earlier transitions at Warner Bros. Discovery and Charter.