Dahill exits as Keo Films Australia closes

Former ABC exec Brendan Dahill is exiting Keo Films Australia, which is to be closed down following a review.

UK-based Keo Films confirmed the Australian wing would shutter on December 31 despite recent success with the ABCs’ War on Waste and SBS’s top-performing local series Struggle Street.

This comes after an operational review, and the exit of Keo Films CEO Debbie Manners, whose departure was announced earlier this month.

Dahill only joined Keo in August 2016, but is set to leave shortly to explore other opportunities. The experienced exec had held posts such a controller of ABC1, director of television and BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand, and a planning and scheduling chief at BBC Three in the UK.

“This decision has not been easy, especially given the incredible successes that our Australian team have enjoyed – most recently with the ABC’s huge hit War on Waste,” said Andrew Palmer, who is one of two execs replacing Manners in the UK. “Operationally, however, this decision best serves our corporate interests at this stage.

“We have enjoyed a highly productive and effective period of activity in Australia. Keo will work closely with our Australian partners, throughout this transition period, to deliver all of the projects currently in production.”

He added Keo was “committed to building partnerships that ensure our shows will still be seen in Australia” and thanked Dahill for an “enormous contribution”.