Notable kids TV executive Libbie Doherty will exit ABC next month after spending nearly a decade at the Australian broadcaster.

Commissioning editor Mary-Ellen Mullane will take over as head of children and family on an interim basis from mid-June.

Sydney-based Doherty’s departure closes an illustrious chapter of her career that saw her champion Australian kids content to reach new highs of global recognition, inclusivity and audience engagement. In addition to commissioning and executive producing the preschool phenomenon Bluey, she oversaw titles like Indigenous series Little J and Big Cuz, teen drama First Day, horror-comedy Crazy Fun Park and puppet show Beep and Mort.

While Doherty’s next professional move is not yet known, she said in a release, “I am incredibly passionate about public service media [and] the ABC, and I am excited to see what this dream team will do for the most important audience—our kids.” 

The news of her departure follows closely behind ABC’s restructuring of its channel portfolio earlier this month. The broadcaster has slated a June 3 launch for a pair of new nets (ABC Entertains and ABC Family) and four new digital streams for kids.

With 30 years of experience in the industry, Doherty’s resumé also includes two years as a research exec at BBC and nine years as an independent producer. ABC first recruited her in 2015 as a commissioning editor (for its linear nets ABC KIDS and ABC ME) before promoting her to kids chief in 2019. 

As an EP, Doherty has received numerous accolades, including five Emmys, five AACTA awards and four Logies. She was also recognized in Kidscreen‘s 2021 survey of 450-plus kids industry professionals, ranking as the respondents’ #1 favorite broadcast or streaming platform partner.