The ABC officially has a new managing director.

ABC chair Ita Buttrose has made acting managing director David Anderson’s role permanent.

“The ABC Board resolved unanimously to appoint David Anderson following a national and international search that produced many impressive candidates,” Ms Buttrose said in a statement.

“With almost 30 years of service, David's knowledge of the ABC is unsurpassed.

“He has a deep understanding of audience needs and the Board is confident he has the skills and ability to respond to the challenges of a changing media environment.

“We believe he is the right person to lead the corporation at this time.

“David already enjoys the trust and confidence of the ABC leadership team and staff and he is ideally placed to continue to provide strong leadership and direction.”

Mr Anderson stepped into the role of acting managing director during a tumultuous period last year, replacing the sacked Michelle Guthrie, the fallout from which saw former ABC chair Justin Milne resign from his post.

Mr Anderson has previously run ABC radio music networks, broadcast television networks, as well as on-demand products and services.

His managing director contract lasts for five years and gives him ultimate responsibility for all editorial content.

“It is a privilege to be appointed to the role, overseeing one of Australia's most loved and respected cultural institutions,” Mr Anderson said.

“I look forward to continuing to lead the ABC and allowing our talented teams to get on with what the ABC does best: serving the Australian people, delivering Australia's finest agenda-setting news and current affairs, hosting conversations and telling stories that look and sound like Australia.”