Ms Guthrie, who was born in Sydney and studied arts/law at the University of Sydney, began her career as a lawyer specialising in media and technology. She went on to senior roles at Foxtel and News International in Britain before running News Corporation's Asian television empire. Outgoing ABC managing director Mark Scott. She also served as managing director of private equity firm Providence Equity Partners. She regularly features on lists of the most influential women in the media and technology. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has previously praised Ms Guthrie's "business acumen", "sharp sense for new opportunities" and "strong ability to run diverse operations".

The ABC did not confirm or deny Ms Guthrie's appointment after reports of her imminent appointment were published on Tuesday. But Fairfax Media understands she is the ABC board's preferred choice for the role and an official announcement will be made before Christmas. Google executive Michelle Guthrie who is confirmed as the next managing director of the ABC. The board met last week to discuss Mr Scott's successor. Former News Corp Australia chief executive Kim Williams and SBS managing director Michael Ebeid were both shortlisted for the job but neither emerged from the selection process as the board's top choice. Mr Williams was interviewed for the role, but was viewed by several directors as too polarising a figure to lead the organisation.