ABC has announced two major executive appointments in the new content division, with Rachel Okine from Stan joining ABC as head of scripted and former Netflix executive Susie Jones taking up the role as head of factual.
The pair bring a wealth of experience in understanding what content to commission for streamers that will help drive the content division’s focus around on-demand content.
“To be able to welcome creative executives of the calibre of Rachel and Susie to the ABC is incredibly humbling,’’ said ABC chief content officer Chris Oliver-Taylor.
“They’re both exceptional leaders and bring direct experience of commissioning programs at two of the best streamers in the world, Netflix and Stan. The ABC will significantly benefit from their experience and knowledge.”
“It is an honour to have the opportunity to build upon the ABC’s legacy of delivering excellent storytelling to audiences here and abroad, as we steer a course through the next stage of its digital evolution,” Okine said.
“Under the leadership of Chris Oliver-Taylor and Jennifer Collins, it’s promising to be a very exciting time of transformative change.”
Okine moves across from Stan, where she was the senior commissioning editor overseeing a slate of scripted drama and comedy, feature films and feature documentaries. She will oversee all ABC drama and comedy in the newly-created role of head of scripted, starting 4 September.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the ABC as head of factual,” Jones said. “The ABC so often captures the national conversation and building on that brilliant pedigree I look forward to working closely with the team to bring fresh, thought-provoking new shows to all Australians.”
Chris Oliver-Taylor said: “This is the third time that I have worked with Susie. Susie was the first person I hired at Matchbox Pictures, and I worked very closely with her most recently at Netflix. I cannot wait to see what impact Susie will have on such a vital part of the ABC’s output.”
Jones starts her new role as the ABC’s head of factual on 24 July.
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Top Image: Rachel Okine and Susie Jones