ABC appoints Trent Dickeson as Chief Operating Officer – The ABC has appointed Dr Trent Dickeson as its new Chief Operating Officer.
Dickeson will join the national broadcaster on 19 October after 13 years in senior executive positions at Seven West Media. His most recent role was also Chief Operating Officer.
For the ABC, the appointment brings commercial broadcasting experience into a senior operational role at a time when the organisation is focused on modernisation, technology and long-term sustainability.
Trent Dickeson brings extensive operational experience
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks announced the appointment through the broadcaster’s media centre.
During his time at Seven West Media, Dickeson led major business, finance, technology and operational projects across the company. As Chief Operating Officer, he was responsible for operations and strategy affecting more than 3,000 employees.
His responsibilities included business continuity and large-scale modernisation work. He also oversaw technology and infrastructure projects across the organisation.
Before joining Seven West Media, Dickeson began his career at Deloitte. There, he advised global organisations on strategy, supply-chain optimisation and changes to operating models.
That work focused on productivity, efficiency and creating sustainable business outcomes.
Dickeson says the ABC has a vital democratic role
Dickeson said he was honoured to join Australia’s public broadcaster.
“As Australia’s public broadcaster, the ABC plays a vital role in our democracy,” Dickeson said.
“It has a strong foundation of trust, creativity and service to audiences. I look forward to working with colleagues across the organisation to strengthen the ABC’s operations, support its people and help ensure it remains sustainable, innovative and well-positioned to serve audiences into the future.”
His comments point to a remit that extends beyond day-to-day operations. The role will also involve supporting the ABC’s workforce and helping position the organisation for changing audience and technology demands.
Hugh Marks welcomes the appointment
Marks said Dickeson was arriving at an important point for the ABC.
“The breadth of experience he has across finance, operations, technology and organisational transformation will be vitally important to the work we are doing to strengthen the ABC for the benefit of all Australians,” Marks said.
“I look forward to working with Trent to grow our ability and capacity to tell Australia’s important stories.”
The appointment adds another senior executive with substantial commercial media experience to the ABC’s leadership team. Dickeson will formally begin as Chief Operating Officer on 19 October.
Trent Dickeson starts as the ABC’s Chief Operating Officer on 19 October 2026.
For more TV Central ABC news, head here. Read the official appointment announcement from the ABC.