Kim Williams to take over from Ita Buttrose as new ABC Chair

Australian media executive Kim Williams has been recommended to become the next chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the current chairwoman Ita Buttrose would finish up her position soon and would be replaced by Williams.

"Williams is such a perfect fit for the role, it's almost as if he were made for it," he said.

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"Kim is a true renaissance man, the breadth of his experience is matched by his depth and his intellect, his energy, and his insatiable curiosity."

Albanese said leadership within the ABC needed to come from a "figure of trust, talent and experience" and hoped Williams would be a good fit.

"The ABC plays an essential role in Australia – it's a pillar of our democracy, a lifeline in disaster, a voice for the regions and part of our cultural identity," he said.

"It's vital our national broadcaster has a safe and experienced pair of hands at the helm – and that's what Kim will provide.

"Kim is eminently qualified to provide ongoing stability and leadership to this deeply valued Australian institution."

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Williams said the role of the chairman was a "solemn responsibility".

"I certainly think giving life to those responsibilities is one of the great enduring challenges in Australia and it's a privilege to do so," he said.

Williams has previously held the position of chief executive of News Limited, which became News Corp Australia in July 2013.