Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced that Flinders graduate – Australian ‘netrepreneur’ Justin Milne – will become chairman of the ABC.

Mr Milne, 64, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts at Flinders in 1975, is a board member of NBN Co and a former chief executive of OzEmail and the Microsoft Network.

After founding his own film production company in Adelaide, he went on to become group managing director of Telstra’s broadband and media businesses, heading up Telstra’s BigPond New Media businesses in China.

Arts and Communications Minister Mr Turnbull says Mr Milne has exceptional executive and non-executive experience spanning the film, digital media, telecommunications and information technology sectors.

For the next five-years, Mr Milne will replace Mr James Spigelman AC QC as chairman and non-executive director of the Australian Broadcasting Commission.

“Mr Milne’s deep understanding of traditional and digital media and the broad technology and software industry will be of great benefit to the ABC,” Mr Turnbull says.

“His leadership and extensive governance experience will complement the predominantly business and financial management skills of the ABC Board.

“Mr Milne has a passion for media and the ABC, having first encountered the national broadcaster in rural South Australia during his childhood.

“After founding a small film production company in Adelaide, he expanded the business in Sydney and has since developed an impressive breadth of experience in digital technology and communications.”

After completing Year 12 at St Peter’s College in 1970, Mr Milne studied film techniques, drama, philosophy, psychology and statistics for social science as part of his Flinders University arts degree.

Following his executive role with Telstra, Mr Milne has filled non-executive roles, including as chairman of MYOB Group and NetComm Wireless, and non-executive director of the NBN Co board, Members Equity Bank and SMS Management and Consulting. Sydney-based Mr Milne also was previously a non-executive director at Basketball Australia and the Sydney Children’s Hospital.

“Mr Milne has a proven track record of managing complex organisations,” the PM’s statement says.

“His technical and marketing savvy, inclusive leadership style and understanding of technology shifts will help shape the ABC’s strategy in an environment of rapidly changing technology and consumer preferences.”

Mr Milne’s appointment by an independent ABC nomination panel will commence on 1 April 2017.