ABC chief operating officer David Pendleton quits as more changes afoot at the national broadcaster

David Pendleton will leave at the end of the current financial year. He first joined the ABC in 1996 and has been on the Executive since 2002, first as Director of Business Services and then as the ABC’s Chief Operating Officer.

A statement from the ABC said he will be able to assist the ABC’s new Manager Director, Michelle Guthrie, and the ABC Executive in preparations for the next budget and in the transition to new financial and operational leadership before he goes.

It comes a week after the ABC’s most senior TV executive Richard Finlayson quit. He will leave Aunty at the end of March.

As Ms Guthrie makes her mark on the ABC, Mr Pendleton said it was the right time to leave for a new challenge.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to contribute to Australia’s most respected media organisation,” Mr Pendleton said.

“I am proud of my team’s achievements during my time here as we have evolved from an analogue to a digital broadcaster.

“Despite the many challenges, we have continued to innovate and provide outstanding service to the Australian public.

“I would like to acknowledge the many MDs, Chairs, Board Directors, colleagues and teams I have worked with in my time at the ABC. I am confident that I leave the ABC in great shape with its best years ahead.”

Originally published as Another ABC boss resigns