David Anderson has been appointed as the ABC’s new managing director over seven months after Michelle Guthrie was sensationally sacked from the role.
A long-serving executive at the ABC, Andersen has risen through the ranks over the last 30 years.
Chairwoman Ita Buttrose, who joined the ABC at the end of February, called Anderson an “exceptional media professional with strong content, digital and strategic experience.”
Andersen has been acting MD since Guthrie’s sacking yet has now been officially appointed to the role and will lead the ABC for five years in accordance with the ABC Act.
Prior to taking on the role of acting managing director, Anderson worked as the director of entertainment & specialist, overseeing all ABC radio music networks, TV and on-demand products and services.
Buttrose said in a statement released Friday night: “The ABC board resolved unanimously to appoint David Anderson following a national and international search that produced many impressive candidates.
“With almost 30 years of service, David’s knowledge of the ABC is unsurpassed. He has a deep understanding of audience needs and the Board is confident he has the skills and ability to respond to the challenges of a changing media environment.
Buttrose added the ABC believe he is “the right person to lead the corporation at this time.”
Anderon said it was a privilege to be appointed as the ABC’s MD and to oversee “one of Australia’s most loved and respected cultural institutions.”
He said: “I look forward to continuing to lead the ABC and allowing our talented teams to get on with what the ABC does best: serving the Australian people, delivering Australia’s finest agenda-setting news and current affairs, hosting conversations and telling stories that look and sound like Australia.”
