TVNZ has appointed Jodi O’Donnell as the new chief executive officer with her becoming the first Women CEO of the Broadcaster.

Jodi currently serves as TVNZ’s commercial director and has been in business for more than two decades. As a commercial director, she is responsible for partnering with agencies and advertisers to create more revenue opportunities.

TVNZ Board chairman Alastair Carruthers stated “Jodi’s an outstanding commercial leader who’s delivered significant innovation and strategic change throughout her time at TVNZ. 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 stated that she is privileged and looking forward to leading TVNZ as its first female chief executive.

O’Donnell stated, “I feel strongly about the importance of local media and telling New Zealand’s stories. TVNZ has a rich and important history, and it also has an exciting future ahead of it. 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.”

TVNZ’s chairperson, Carruthers appreciated Brent McAnulty, the interim chief executive Officer for the last six months, for his resistance and calm attitude during his serving time.

“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.”

Ms. Jodi O’Donnell will assume her position on January 30th, taking on the role of the fully accountable CEO of TVNZ.