TVNZ appoints Jodi O'Donnell as chief executive

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Jodi O’Donnell will take up her new role in January.
Photo: Supplied / TVNZ

TVNZ has announced its current commercial director, Jodi O’Donnell, will become its new chief executive from next year.

In her current role, she has been responsible for partnering with agencies and advertisers and making the most of revenue opportunities.

TVNZ’s chairperson, Alastair Carruthers, said it was a transformative time for the broadcaster.

“Jodi’s an outstanding commercial leader who’s delivered significant innovation and strategic change throughout her time at TVNZ,” he said in a statement.

“She has a deep understanding of the media landscape and is passionate about the challenges and opportunities TVNZ faces as it pursues a digitally led future.”

O’Donnell said she was looking forward to leading TVNZ as its first female chief executive.

She said she felt strongly about the importance of local media and telling New Zealand’s stories.

TVNZ had an important history and an exciting future.

“We have an incredible group of TVNZers who are committed to our advertisers and our audiences and I’m looking forward to leading our people as we transform the business into a digital first media organisation.”

Carruthers also thanked Brent McAnulty who has filled the role in a temporary capacity for the last six months.

“His calm guidance has steered the business through a constrained advertising period, while delivering important programming for our viewers, including the return of free-to-view sport to TVNZ and comprehensive coverage of the 2023 general election.”

O’Donnell will take up the role on 30 January and McAnulty has been appointed as chief operating officer.