ABC looks to Paramount talent as it continues to build out content division
The ABC has appointed Network 10 and Paramount executive Toni Skaife as the new chief partnerships and negotiation officer for its content division.
It continues the public broadcaster’s efforts to build out a world class content division, close to a year after hiring Netflix’s Chris Oliver-Taylor as its inaugural chief content officer. The ABC has since made a number of senor hires from both Netflix and Stan.
Skaife joins the ABC after a seven year stint leading commercial negotiations, partnerships and internal productions at Paramount ANZ across its scripted and non-scripted content slate. Prior to that, she led a team of Ten’s content production and business affairs executives.
““It’s an honour to be joining the ABC and to be offered this brilliant opportunity to work with Chris Oliver-Taylor and the content team in this newly-created role,’’ said Skaife of her new role.
“I have an immense respect for our national broadcaster and the sheer quality and volume of content that is delivered on a daily basis. As an advocate of homegrown talent, stories and content I couldn’t be more excited to commence the next chapter of my career in this way – with a clear strategic objective to expand content partnerships that aim to serve all Australians and to be a part of the very talented content team at the ABC.”
With a May start date, Skaife’s new remit will see her responsible for driving international partnerships to support new content initiatives, developing rights strategies and leading commercial content deal negotiation locally and abroad.
Oliver-Taylor commented: “Being able to bring Toni to the ABC and utilise her deep Australian and international experience for the benefit of Australian audiences is a real coup. The ABC will always evolve to suit our audience needs and the complexity of the ABC’s vast content output across screen, audio and digital needs significant leadership. Joining the ABC’s content leadership team, Toni is the perfect person to help our continued transformation to a digital first organisation for the benefit of all Australians.”
The appointment comes as the ABC prepares to welcome incoming chair Kim Williams next month, as Ita Buttrose wraps up her five year term.
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