Nine has today announced the appointment of Adrian Swift to the position of Head of Content Production and Development. Swift, who is currently at the ABC as Head of Content and Creative Development, will leave that role at the end of January. Swift had been in the role at the ABC since July 2014.
Swift will be responsible for non-scripted production across Nine’s broadcast and digital platforms, which will include internal development of programs and acquired formats. Swift will also manage external commissions.
Nine’s director of television, Michael Healy, said “I’m really pleased to say Adrian is returning to Nine in a role which will incorporate production and development of our local content, across all the platforms in our evolving business. Adrian has a great knowledge of Nine, he will be a welcomed member of our team.”
Swift stated, “Nine is my spiritual home and I’m very excited to be returning. With so many great shows commissioned for 2016, it’s a huge job and I’m looking forward to working alongside Hugh Marks, Michael Healy and Andrew Backwell.”
Swifts previous tenure at Nine had lasted over three years and saw him in the role of director of development. During this time he oversaw the development of the local version of The Voice and the Nine revamp of Big Brother.
A report in The Guardian’s Weekly Beast column suggested that Swift bristled against the bureaucracy and management structure at the ABC, while also facing budget cuts that curtailed his programming plans.
Regarding his tenure at the ABC, Swift said: “It has been a privilege working at the ABC and I would like to thank Richard Finlayson and Mark Scott for the opportunity. I have had the genuine pleasure to lead an immensely talented team and work with some brilliant producers during my time here. 2016 will be a great year on ABC TV.”
ABC director of Television Richard Finlayson said: “We will be sad to see Adrian go. He’s made a significant impact in his relatively short time at ABC TV, with results that will be seen throughout our strong 2016 slate. We wish Adrian all the best for his future.”