Mark Scott (businessman)
Mark Scott | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 9, 1962 Los Angeles, United States |
| Citizenship | Australian, American |
| Occupation(s) | Academic leader, public official |
| Known for | Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sydney; former managing director of Australian Broadcasting Corporation; Secretary of the New South Wales Department of Education |
Mark Walter Scott (born 9 October 1962) is an academic leader and public official with dual Australian-American citizenship, currently holding the position of Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the University of Sydney.
Before his current role, Scott was a senior executive at Fairfax Media, where he directed editorial operations for prominent newspapers such as The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Sun-Herald, and The Sunday Age. Between 2006 and 2016, he served as the managing director of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, steering one of Australia's foremost media institutions. In June 2016, Scott was appointed Secretary of the New South Wales Department of Education, overseeing a significant governmental education portfolio.
Personal life
Born in Los Angeles on 9 October 1962, Scott holds citizenship in both Australia and the United States. He is the grandson of Sir Walter Scott AC, notable for introducing decimal currency to Australia, and his father Brian conducted a review of the NSW Department of Education during the 1980s.
Scott completed his schooling at Knox Grammar School in Wahroonga, New South Wales. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education, and Master of Arts from the University of Sydney, along with a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University.
He is married to Briony Scott, who serves as principal of Wenona School, an independent girls' day and boarding institution.
Career
Scott's early career included roles within the New South Wales Liberal government, acting as chief of staff to Education Minister Virginia Chadwick and senior adviser to Minister Terry Metherell.
In 2010, Scott secured a renewed five-year term as ABC managing director. His leadership period was marked by notable digital growth initiatives such as launching the children's channel ABC Me, establishing the 24-hour news channel ABC News, enhancing online technology investments, and bolstering quality drama productions. He championed social media's influence on journalism while expressing reservations about implementing paywalls for content that was previously accessible for free.
In November 2014, Scott announced the closure of ABC's Collinswood TV studios in South Australia after 55 years of operation, following earlier shutdowns in Perth and Tasmania. This decision also led to discontinuing state-specific editions of 7.30 Report. Confronted with $254 million in government funding reductions over five years, Scott eliminated programs including Bush Telegraph and closed five regional radio stations but rejected claims that budget cuts justified unpopular cost-saving actions.
Scott declared his intention to retire from his role as ABC managing director in September 2015; Michelle Guthrie was appointed as his successor and assumed the position in May 2016.
In June 2016, he took up the role of secretary for the New South Wales Department of Education, responsible for more than 2,000 schools and around 49,000 educators.
He authored the book On Us, which was released by Melbourne University Press in 2019.
In March 2021, Scott was named the 27th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney, commencing his duties in July that year. In September 2024, he issued a public apology to Jewish students concerning his management of pro-Palestinian demonstrations following the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
Awards and honours
On 13 June 2011, Scott received the distinction of Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of his exceptional contributions to media and communications, as well as his impactful involvement in social justice and education via advisory and leadership positions.