Ausfilm has appointed Debra Richards as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ms Richards has over 20 years communications & media industry experience most recently as CEO of the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA), the industry association for subscription television. She also spent over 13 years with the broadcasting regulator then the Australian Broadcasting Authority.

Ausfilm Chairman Alaric McAusland said of the appointment, “We are extremely fortunate to have secured someone of the calibre of Debra at this critical time for the local and international screen production sector. Debra is a highly experienced CEO and Executive Director with experience gained in both private and public sectors. She is an acknowledged communications expert with a network that extends throughout the media industry and across the political spectrum. ”

Ms Richards commences her new role on Monday 24 January 2011 and will be based at Ausfilm’s Sydney offices at Fox Studios Australia.