Former Nine Executive Appointed Managing Director of Australia’s ABC

Logos for Australia's public broadcaster ABC are seen in Sydney, Australia, on Sept. 27, 2018. SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images

Former Nine Entertainment CEO Hugh Marks has been appointed the new managing director of Australia’s national public broadcaster, with his tenure beginning in March 2025.

The announcement was made by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) Chair Kim Williams on Dec. 17, following a unanimous decision by its Board after a domestic and international search.

Marks will succeed David Anderson, who stepped down from the post on Aug. 22, 2024.

“Hugh is a highly successful media executive, with more than 30 years’ experience in Australia and internationally in content production, programming, and distribution,” Williams said.

Marks’ extensive experience spans all platforms, including television, radio, and online publishing, with a strong emphasis on news.

“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 uniquely well qualified to lead the ABC’s editorial and creative production teams across news, education, documentaries, international content, and diverse drama for Australian audiences,” Williams added.

Marks will serve a five-year term in accordance with the ABC Act.

As editor-in-chief, he will hold ultimate responsibility for all editorial content and report directly to the ABC Board.

A Vision for Modern Media

Marks expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the role, acknowledging the ABC’s importance in Australia’s media landscape.

“I appreciate the confidence Kim Williams and the Board have placed in me with this appointment,” Marks said.

“It’s an amazing time to be working in media. There are so many opportunities to deliver quality news and entertainment to Australians, but making the right choices will determine our success into the future.”

He said the ABC’s role was to foster national discussion, and deliver high-quality, truthful, and engaging content.

“The ABC is an iconic and formidable media organisation. No other institution has the reach and impact of the ABC, and it is a privilege to lead the workforce as we confront the many technology and programming opportunities ahead,” Marks said.

A Long Career

Marks’ has had a storied career in the media industry.

He co-founded and co-led Dreamchaser, a contemporary Australian content studio working with creators to develop, finance, and distribute premium content for global audiences.

During his nearly six-year tenure as CEO of Nine Entertainment, Marks oversaw the company’s transformation into a $5 billion digital entity, growing it from an $800 million television network despite challenges in the advertising market.

He spearheaded the Nine-Fairfax merger, the largest media transaction in Australia in 30 years, reshaping the nation’s media landscape. This saw the Nine television and radio group merge with the Fairfax stable of newspaper brands, including the Australian Financial Review, The Age, and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Marks also led major renegotiations of sports rights and implemented other strategic changes in news, and entertainment delivery.