ABC appoints Stan and Netflix executives to expand its new Content division

The ABC announces two major executive appointments in the new Content division, with Rachel Okine from Stan joining the 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 and reinforce the ABC’s standing as a premier destination for world-class 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.”

As the ABC’s Head of Scripted, Okine will oversee the biggest Scripted slate in Australia, including ABC drama and comedy, starting 4 September. “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.”

Chris Oliver-Taylor said: “Rachel brings local and international experience across distribution and streaming to the ABC, where she will lead a supremely talented team of commissioning editors. She will be a brilliant addition to our team and will build on the incredible legacy that is the ABC’s Scripted output.”

As the new Head of Factual, Susie Jones, will manage the largest output of factual and documentary content in Australia, from science to religion, true crime to investigative journalism, natural history to travel, as well as the internal success stories of Landline, Gardening Australia, Compass, Back Roads and the ABC’s biggest show of 2022, Muster Dogs.Jones starts her new role as the ABC’s Head of Factual on 24 July.

“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.”