Singapore-based Google executive Michelle Guthrie will become the ABC's first female managing director when she takes over from Mark Scott in May 2016.

In an email to staff, ABC chairman James Spigelman said Ms Guthrie was "ideally credentialed to lead the national broadcaster in a digital era".

"Michelle brings a unique local and global view to the role, having grown up in Sydney and worked at senior levels here and around the world," he said.

"She brings to the ABC her business expertise, international contacts, record in content-making across an array of platforms, a deep understanding of audience needs and corporate responsibility for promoting issues like diversity."

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In her first interview after her appointment, Ms Guthrie told ABC News 24 she was "thrilled" to be part of the ABC.

"Having the role of being a true independent public broadcaster and being able to deliver fantastic content across platforms, across digital, mobile, television, radio, to all Australians is extraordinary," she said.

"My hope is that I can really contribute to the organisation."

Ms Guthrie said she would look to move the public broadcaster forward into the ever-expanding digital realm.

"The key thing is really what audiences really desire, and how that is really changing so rapidly with digital transformation. We really need the organisation to respond to those fast-changing audience needs very quickly," she said.

She said it was "way too early" to say whether the ABC news website would introduce a paywall or whether advertising would appear online.

She said the current editorial structure was "robust", but that she would work with the board to discuss the best ways to support editorial decisions as the evolution of digital news heightened the need for immediacy.

From the courtroom to Google

Ms Guthrie began her career as a media lawyer and has worked with a range of media companies in Australia and abroad, including Foxtel, BSkyB, and the Asian-based Star television network.

She joined Google in 2011 and is currently the firm's managing director for agencies in the Asia-Pacific.

Ms Guthrie played a key role in the development of broadcasting channels and content strategies across a range of platforms, including STAR's 24-hour news channel in India.

"Having grown up with the ABC and having been a professional observer of it over the last three decades, I have profound respect for the important role the national broadcaster plays throughout Australia and internationally," she said in a statement.

"I would also like to acknowledge the leadership provided by Mark Scott during his tenure as managing director.

"It is fortunate that I will be able to work closely with him during the handover next year."

Mr Scott has been at the helm of ABC since 2006. He confirmed his impending departure in September.

"I have made no secret of the fact that I think 10 years is a long time to run an organisation, particularly in a sector as dynamic and fast-changing as media," Mr Scott said.

During his time as managing director, Mr Scott oversaw the introduction of ABC News 24 and the development of digital platforms, as well as managing major cuts to the ABC's budget.

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