Nick Hayden appointed ABC’s head of entertainment

The ABC has appointed Nick Hayden as head of entertainment.

During his time with the ABC, he has so far developed and produced the Spicks and Specks Reunion Specials, and driven programs including Gruen, Hard Quiz, Mad as Hell, The Weekly, and You Can’t Ask That.

ABC’s entertainment slate also includes live music show The Set and music documentary Recovery: The Music & The Mayhem. 

Hayden joined the ABC in 2016 after roles with SBS, Foxtel and Network 10.

He said the ABC has always been the home of creative risk taking.

“The screen industry needs that kind of support now more than ever, so it’s a genuine honour to take on the role of head of entertainment within an organisation I love,” he said.

Sally Riley, the broadcaster’s head of drama, entertainment and Indigenous content, said she was looking forward to collaborating with Hayden in the years to come.

“Nick has shown great instinct and drive for developing and producing entertainment shows,” she said. “He has passion and enthusiasm for new ideas and talent, along with a genuine interest in fostering and protecting the ABC’s current slate of shows.”