The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has appointed Dr Trent Dickeson as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), with the appointment announced by Managing Director Hugh Marks on 30 September. ABC News

Dickeson joins the public broadcaster following more than a decade in senior executive positions at Seven West Media, where he most recently served as COO. During his 13 years with the company, he led major initiatives spanning business operations, finance, technology and organisational transformation. ABC News

In his previous COO role, Dickeson was responsible for operations and strategy across a workforce of more than 3,000 employees. His experience includes business continuity, modernisation programmes and large-scale technology and infrastructure projects. Earlier in his career, he worked at Deloitte, advising organisations on strategy, operating models and improving business efficiency. ABC News

Marks said Dickeson joins ABC at an important time for the organisation, highlighting his experience across finance, operations, technology and organisational transformation as ABC continues its work to strengthen the public broadcaster.

Dickeson said he looked forward to working across ABC to strengthen its operations, support its people and help ensure the organisation remains sustainable and innovative as it serves Australian audiences. 

He will officially begin his new role on 19 October 2026. ABC News