ABC chair Kim Williams appoints Hugh Marks as new managing director
'Hugh is unusually well-qualified to lead the ABC’s editorial and creative production teams.'
Hugh Marks, one of Australia’s most prominent media executives, has been appointed the new managing director of the ABC, with his term beginning on 10 March 2025. The appointment, revealed by ABC chair Kim Williams AM, follows a unanimous decision by the ABC Board after an extensive global search.
Marks, who has over 30 years of experience spanning content production, programming, and distribution across television, radio, and digital platforms, is set to lead the national broadcaster into a new era of innovation and audience engagement.
A leader for the future
In announcing the appointment, Mr Williams highlighted Marks’ exceptional breadth of expertise and proven leadership in transforming media organisations.
“Hugh is a highly successful media executive with rare experience that will be critical to the ABC as we look to further strengthen our reach and engagement with the Australian community,” Mr Williams said.
During his nearly six-year tenure as CEO of Nine Entertainment, Marks spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the landmark merger of Nine and Fairfax Media—the largest Australian media transaction in 30 years. This merger reshaped the country’s media landscape, solidifying Nine’s position as a modern, predominantly digital media powerhouse.
Marks also demonstrated a keen ability to navigate complex industry challenges, renegotiating major sporting rights deals and overseeing pivotal changes in news, entertainment, and information delivery.
From Dreamchaser to the ABC
Most recently, Marks co-founded and co-led Dreamchaser, a contemporary Australian content studio that partners with leading creators to develop, finance, and produce premium content for global audiences. His experience in creating high-quality, diverse content across genres will be a significant asset to the ABC, which is renowned for its broad programming portfolio, including news, children’s education, documentaries, and drama.
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Reflecting on his new role, Marks expressed both humility and enthusiasm.
“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,” Marks said.
“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.”
A vision for renewal
Mr Williams emphasised that Marks’ appointment comes at a pivotal time for the ABC, as the organisation focuses on renewal and investment to adapt to an evolving media environment.
“Hugh is unusually well-qualified to lead the ABC’s editorial and creative production teams,” Mr Williams said. “His leadership will be essential in ensuring the ABC continues to serve Australian audiences as viewers, listeners, and readers across every major delivery platform available.”
As managing director, Marks will also serve as the ABC’s Editor-in-Chief, holding ultimate responsibility for all editorial content and reporting directly to the ABC Board.
