Nine Entertainment Co’s chief information and technology officer Damian Cronan is departing the business to head up the ABC’s digital unit.

Cronan, who will join the national public broadcaster as chief digital and information officer, was one of several executives brought to Nine from Fairfax Media when the two companies merged in 2018. He also worked as chief technology officer of streaming service Stan, and Nine’s former joint venture with Microsoft, ninemsn.

At Nine, Cronan was in charge of the information and technology teams, a role which involved managing a major cyberattack that hit its broadcast systems in early 2021. Nine is the owner of this masthead.

ABC managing director David Anderson said Cronan would play a key role in the delivery of the broadcaster’s five-year plan, which focuses heavily on evolving its content across all platforms. He replaces acting chief digital and information officer Rebecca Matthews, who was leading the team of about 700 and managing millions of dollars in funding.

“We are very much looking forward to Damian joining us,” Anderson said. “I would like to thank Rebecca for her strong leadership and significant contribution over the last six months.”

Cronan said he was humbled to take on the role. “I’m excited to be given the opportunity to join David and the team and contribute to the ABC’s mission and future success,” he said.

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Digital growth was a key focus for the ABC’s five-year plan which was released in 2020. It said at the time spending on digital services like ABC iview will be increased as the national broadcaster tries to attract young audiences and “recently arrived Australians”.

It said it would also create optional sign-in to ABC digital products and email alerts is also being introduced over the next five years to personalise services for audiences.