Anita Jacoby, one of Australia’s most experienced and respected television executives, has been appointed Managing Director, ITV Studios Australia. In a career spanning 30 years, she has created content for every major TV network in Australia.
Most recently, Anita was a key executive at Zapruder’s other films, overseeing a slate of original programmes including the award-winning Enough Rope with Andrew Denton, Elders, AFP and The Gruen Transfer, which achieved ABC’s highest ever debut for an entertainment programme.
Anita will head ITV Studios Australia, a leading producer of reality and entertainment programmes and home to some of the country’s best loved shows including Come Dine With Me and original hit formats Please Marry My Boy, Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell and Paddock to Plate.
Paul Buccieri, Managing Director ITV Studios International and CEO and President ITV Studios America said: “Anita is both a talented creative and an extremely experienced producer. Her career spans almost all genres, a fantastic asset as we continue to grow our Australian business. ITV Studios Australia is a key element of our international operation and has an important part to play as we continue to progress building a strong international content business. I’m delighted Anita is joining us to lead the business into its next stage of growth. I’d also like to thank Leonie Lowe for her years of dedication and expertise in leading and building the business so far and wish her all the very best in her future endeavours.“
Anita Jacoby added: “I’m thrilled to be joining ITV Studios, one of the most innovative and creative production companies in the world. I look forward to working alongside Paul Buccieri and the talented ITV teams, both locally and internationally.”
As Head of Production and then Director of Programs at Zapruder’s other films, Anita oversaw the growth of the business from one show to a slate of original programmes. She was formerly a Producer on flagship current affairs programmes 60 Minutes, Sunday and Witness. She has also been Executive Producer of LAWS on Foxtel and has produced numerous TV series, specials and documentaries, including the feature documentary God on My Side.
Anita’s work has won many prestigious awards, including six AFI/AACTA awards, an Order of Australia Media Award and an Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Award. Anita is a part-time member of the Australian Communications and Media Authority and a Director of The Arts Law Centre of Australia.
She will take up her new role on 30 September.