Australia’s ABC Taps New MD

SYDNEY: Michelle Guthrie has been appointed to succeed Mark Scott as the managing director of the ABC, taking up the post in May 2016.

Guthrie will officially join the ABC in early April for a month-long transition with Scott. As managing director, Guthrie will retain responsibility for all editorial content, as specified in the ABC Act.

Guthrie has been based in Singapore for the past few years in a senior executive role with Google. She has worked with a range of media companies in Australia and internationally, including Foxtel, BSkyB and the Asia-based STAR television network.

James Spigelman, the chairman of the ABC, said: “The ABC Board made this appointment following a thorough local and international search that produced an outstanding field of candidates. Michelle is an exceptional media professional with strong content, operational and board experience within internationally respected media companies.

“Michelle brings a unique local and global view to the role, having grown up in Sydney and worked at senior levels here and around the world. She brings to the ABC her business acumen, record in content-making across an array of platforms, a deep understanding of audience needs and corporate responsibility for promoting issues like diversity.

“We have no doubt she is the right person to succeed Mark Scott next year and to lead the corporation in its broadcasting and digital work as both are defined by the ABC charter.”

Guthrie commented: “Having grown up with the ABC and having been a professional observer of it over the last three decades, I have profound respect for the important role the national broadcaster plays throughout Australia and internationally.

“I would also like to acknowledge the leadership provided by Mark Scott during his tenure as managing director. It is fortunate that I will be able to work closely with him during the handover next year.”