Hugh Marks takes over leadership of a media titan in a stunning announcement

Hugh Marks, the former CEO of Nine Entertainment, has been appointed as a managing director of the ABC in Australia.

The ABC board has chosen Marks, who is considered the experienced executive, as the new leader after an “extensive and international search.”

He will also be serving as an editor-in-chief, responsible for the broadcaster’s content.

As per the report of Deadline, Marks is taking over from David Anderson, who resigned in August during his second five-year term.

He will start to perform his duties on March 10, 2025, after what ABC Chair Kim Williams described as an “extended” handover period.

Speaking highly of Marks, Williams said, “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.”

The 72-year-old media executive added, “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.”

He went on to add that Mark “was 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,” which made him “a stand-out candidate.”

Moving forward, Marks also articulated his thoughts by saying, “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 prioritise in doing so. Making the right choices is what will determine our success into the future.”

He continued, “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 organisation. 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,” Marks concluded by saying.