The ABC’s chief operating officer David Pendleton will leave at the end of the current financial year, allowing him to assist the manager director Michelle Guthrie and the ABC executive in preparations for the next budget and in the transition to new financial and operational leadership at the corporation.
Pendleton joined the ABC in 1996 and has been on the executive since 2002, first as director of business services and then as the ABC’s chief operating officer.
Pendleton said it was an appropriate time to flag his intention to leave the corporation to focus on new challenges.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to contribute to Australia’s most respected media organisation. I am proud of my team’s achievements during my time here as we have evolved from an analogue to a digital broadcaster.
“Despite the many challenges, we have continued to innovate and provide outstanding service to the Australian public.
“I would like to acknowledge the many MDs, chairs, board directors, colleagues and teams I have worked with in my time at the ABC. I am confident that I leave the ABC in great shape with its best years ahead.”