Alastair McKinnon has been appointed deputy head of ABC TV fiction.
Currently head of business affairs at SBS, he succeeds Greer Simpkin, who departed in February after five years in the post to become head of TV at Bunya Productions, the feature film production company owned by producer David Jowsey and writer/ director Ivan Sen.
McKinnon, who starts on July 15, will be responsible for the business and financing strategy for the ABC's slate of dramas and comedies.
His previous roles include strategic, policy and legal positions at Screen Australia, Ausfilm, the Australian Writers Guild, the AFC and the ABC as well as production roles in the UK.
ABC head of fiction Carole Sklan said, “In an increasingly complex marketplace, Alastair brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the role. He will facilitate the ABC's support for as many hours of distinctive Australian drama and comedy as possible.”
McKinnon said, ”ABC's Australian drama and comedy output is a benchmark for excellence in the screen industry and I consider it a great privilege to have the opportunity of contributing to its ongoing legacy."
SBS TV and online director Marshall Heald said, "Alastair has been a much valued head of business affairs for the SBS commissioned content team and we wish him all the very best in his new role at the ABC. SBS will begin recruiting shortly."
At Bunya Productions Simpkin’s position is supported by a Screen Queensland Enterprise grant and is based in Queensland.
Currently Simpkin and Jowsey are producing Sen's Goldstone, a contemporary Western thriller starring Aaron Pedersen, Alex Russell, Jacki Weaver, David Gulpilil, David Wenham and Hong Kong-based Cheng Pei-pei.