Nick Hayden has been named as ABC’s new head of entertainment, driving its programming slate including Gruen, Hard Quiz, Mad As Hell and You Can’t Ask That.

Hayden has been with the broadcaster since 2016 and created the COVID-19 comedy At Home Alone Together, as well as Whovians, Tongihtly and the Australia Talks series.

He also developed and produced the Spicks and Specks Reunion Specials, The House with Annabel Crabb and Why Are You Like This – part of the ABC’s Fresh Blood initiative to support emerging comedic talent. He has been ABC entertainment manager since 2019.

Sally Riley, ABC head of drama, entertainment and indigenous content, welcomed Hayden’s appointment.

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“Nick has shown great instinct and drive for developing and producing entertainment shows. He has passion and enthusiasm for new ideas and talent, along with a genuine interest in fostering and protecting the ABC’s current slate of shows,” she said.

“I look forward to collaborating with him on our award-winning Entertainment slate and strategy in the years to come.”

Hayden said: “The ABC has always been the home of creative risk taking – where else would you be allowed to make a new show in six weeks in the middle of a pandemic? The screen industry needs that kind of support now more than ever, so it’s a genuine honour to take on the role of head of entertainment within an organisation I love.”

Hayden previously created and was founding executive producer of The Feed for SBS and a member of Hungry Beast, under Andrew Denton and Anita Jacoby. He also worked as a writer and producer with several television and advertising companies before joining SBS.