FORMER News International executive chairman James Murdoch is stepping down from the board of auction house Sotheby's.

Mr Murdoch decided not to stand for re-election to the board in May.

The auctioneer said the News Corporation deputy chief operating officer had been a "a valued member of the Sotheby's board".

A statement released by the business said: "Sotheby's will seek to find opportunities to continue to engage with Mr Murdoch in the areas of his expertise."

Last month, Mr Murdoch, the younger son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, quit his role as chairman of News International.

It is understood he will now concentrate on his role in his father's television business.