The Albanese Government is recommending former News Corp CEO, Kim Williams AM, to be the next Chairperson of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Board.

Williams, who has an extensive background across the screen, music, sports, and media industries and is currently the Chair of Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company, Co-Chair of the State Library of NSW Foundation Board, and Director of Stradivarius.

Williams has held a number of Chief Executive positions across the creative industries, including the Australian Film Commission, Southern Star Entertainment, Fox Studios Australia, Foxtel, and NewsCorp Australia. His previous non-executive positions include Chair of the Copyright Agency, the Sydney Opera House Trust, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Film Finance Corporation, Musica Viva Australia, the Richard Gill School, Deputy Chair of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, and an AFL Commissioner.

In 2006, Williams was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the arts, film, and television industries. His nomination for the ABC Board Chairperson position came from the independent Nomination Panel as part of the merit-based appointment process for the ABC and SBS Boards. The Chairperson position is part-time for five years, with remuneration set by the Remuneration Tribunal.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lauded Williams' appointment, stating, "The ABC plays an essential role in Australia - it's a pillar of our democracy, a lifeline in disaster, a voice for the regions and part of our cultural identity. It's vital our national broadcaster has a safe and experienced pair of hands at the helm - and that's what Kim will provide. Kim is eminently qualified to provide ongoing stability and leadership to this deeply valued Australian institution."

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland agreed the course of his impressive career, Williams has held several significant roles at high-profile media and arts organisations that make him a natural fit for the ABC.

"He's shown a commitment to independence, to innovation and to best practice governance. We are confident Mr Williams will bring strong leadership and focus to the ABC Board, which is why he is being recommended to the Governor-General for this important role."

The new chair will replace Ita Buttrose AC, OBE, who has been at the helm of the ABC Board over the last five years and will step down in March this year.