Anna Murdoch Mann, born Anna Torv in Glasgow, Scotland in 1944, is a woman of great resilience and empowerment. She is known as one of the most successful businesswomen in history, having played a vital role in the growth of media conglomerates such as News Corporation and 21st Century Fox, both founded and led by her ex-husband Rupert Murdoch. Anna’s life journey is an inspiration to many, and through her work, she has proved that a woman can truly conquer the world, even in a male-dominated industry.
Anna’s early life was marked by adversity. Her parents divorced when she was just four years old, and she was sent to live with various relatives. She attended boarding school in England and later moved to Australia, where she worked as a model and a flight attendant. She was only 22 when she met Rupert Murdoch, who was already a media tycoon at the time. They got married in 1967, and Anna became a stepmother to Rupert’s two children from his previous marriage.
Anna’s career in the media industry began when her husband bought The Sun newspaper in the UK, and she joined the staff as a columnist. She later established her own publishing company, telling News Ltd, which produced a number of successful magazines such as “New Idea” and “TV Week.” She also served on the board of News Corporation, playing a key role in the company’s growth and expansion. Despite her successful career, Anna was often criticized for being a “trophy wife,” and many people assumed that her success was due to her connections with her husband.
However, Anna’s life took a dramatic turn in 1999 when she filed for divorce from Rupert Murdoch, citing his affair with Wendi Deng, a much younger News Corporation employee. The divorce was one of the costliest in history, with Anna reportedly receiving $1.7 billion in assets. Despite the high-stakes legal battle, Anna remained gracious and dignified, refusing to speak ill of her ex-husband even after their bitter separation.
After her divorce, Anna continued to pursue her own interests and passions. She founded the charity organization “Art for Children,” which aims to promote art education and creativity among underprivileged children. She also became involved in various philanthropic initiatives, supporting causes such as cancer research and environmental conservation.
Today, at the age of 77, Anna remains an active and inspiring figure. She has often spoken about the challenges she faced as a woman in the business world, emphasizing the importance of resilience, persistence, and a willingness to take risks. She has also been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, advocating for greater representation and opportunities for women in all industries.
Anna Murdoch Mann is a true force of nature, a woman who has overcome adversity and transformed herself into a beacon of success and empowerment. Her life story is a testimony to the power of determination and self-belief, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations of women to come.