Hugh Marks to Lead ABC Australia

Hugh Marks has been tapped as the new managing director of Australian pubcaster ABC, with the Nine Entertainment veteran set to begin his five-year term on March 10, 2025.

ABC Chair Kim Williams noted: “Hugh is a highly successful media executive, with more than 30 years’ experience in Australia and internationally in content production, programming and distribution, working across all platforms from television, radio, and online publishing and with extensive news experience. This breadth of experience is rare and will be critical to the ABC as we look to further strengthen our reach and engagement with the Australian community. Hugh is unusually well qualified to lead the ABC’s editorial and creative production teams online and in audio and video across the spectrum of ABC delivery responsibility in news, children’s education, documentary, international and diverse drama for Australian citizens as viewers, listeners and readers across every major delivery platform available. Hugh was a stand-out candidate, not only for his experience across every facet of the media, but for his strong track record of leading media organizations and driving substantial and sustained audience engagement. He is the right person to lead the ABC as we plan right now for renewal and investment.”

Marks has spent the last three years running his own studio, Dreamchaser. He previously served as CEO of Nine Entertainment, a tenure that included the merger of Nine and Fairfax Media. He ran Southern Star before it was sold to Endemol in 2009.

“I appreciate the confidence Kim Williams and the Board have placed in me with this appointment,” Marks said. “It is an amazing time to be working in media. There are so many opportunities to deliver quality news and entertainment to Australians, but choices to make in what we prioritize in doing so. Making the right choices is what will determine our success into the future. I look forward to working with everyone at the ABC as it continues to host and guide discussion on the issues of importance to Australia and lead in the delivery of quality, truthful and engaging news, and premium content. The ABC is an iconic and formidable media organization. No other institution has the reach and impact of the ABC, and it is a privilege to lead the ABC workforce as we confront the many technology and programming opportunities before us.”