Media Releases

RNZ appoints Pip Keane to the role of Chief Audio Officer

Released at 10:10 am on 6 October 2025

Veteran broadcast media leader Pip Keane has been appointed to the role of Chief Audio Officer - a new role at RNZ designed to oversee the performance and excellence of RNZ’s audio content, bringing a truly unified approach.
 
Keane’s career in media spans almost three decades. She is a highly experienced manager, having worked as executive producer for some of the most-high profile shows in New Zealand’s broadcasting history, including Campbell Live, Marcus Lush (on Radio Live) and Paul Holmes (TVNZ, Sky and Prime).
 
Keane joined RNZ in 2015 as Executive Producer of Checkpoint, she was then Editor Multi-Media Programmes and Editor of News Programmes at RNZ before being seconded to be Interim Head of Radio earlier this year.
 
In her time at RNZ, Keane has launched new programmes (First Up in 2019) and produced multiple election night and news specials.
 
RNZ Chief Executive and Editor-in-Chief Paul Thompson said the role attracted a number of high calibre external and internal candidates, but Keane stood out as leader with both vision and heart.
 
“What set Pip apart is her demonstrated ability to identify and nurture talent. She has shown she can get the best out of people and do so in way that delivers for audiences. She is also an audio champion, with an instinct for finding and telling compelling stories and creating strong programmes. Her professionalism and focus on audiences while building successful teams will be crucial attributes in this role.”
 
The Chief Audio Officer role is an integral part of RNZ’s plan for audio that includes a more focused targeting of the available audience for radio, more training for on-air staff to lift standards, and a greater focus on Auckland to reflect the importance of the region and its population for a public media organisation.
 
As Chief Audio Officer, Keane will join RNZ’s executive and be responsible for developing and executing RNZ’s audio strategy, encompassing audio and programming on all platforms (live listening, on-demand and digital). The role will focus on audiences; their needs and how to meet them, in line with RNZ’s vision of providing outstanding public media that matters.
 
Keane said having spent almost her entire career in broadcast media she felt well prepared for the role and believed collaboration was key.
 
“This is a challenging and exciting role and I won’t do it alone – it is going to be a real team effort. We are fortunate to have a wealth of stand-out talent at RNZ. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone across our stations, all audio outputs and all of RNZ to do more for audiences, grow our radio listeners and reach New Zealanders wherever they are.”
 
Keane will start in the role on 13 October. She will be based in Auckland.