RTE chief financial officer to leave broadcaster

RTE’s chief financial officer is set to leave the broadcaster after just 18 months in the role.

RTE announced on Thursday night that Mari Hurley has decided to take up a new position outside the organisation.

Ms Hurley will remain at RTE until spring.

She joined the broadcaster in 2024 after it was hit by a number of financial scandals which resulted in the resignation of a director general, Dee Forbes, and the departure of presenter Ryan Tubridy.

In a statement Ms Hurley wished her colleagues “every success as they continue the significant transformation programme underway at RTE”.

“RTE continues to perform a vital role for Irish audiences as a public service media organisation,” she said.

“The extensive work we have done during my time in RTE has been an important part of the delivery of greater governance across the organisation.”

RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst paid tribute to her contribution.

“Since she joined RTE in 2024, Mari has provided excellent professional advice, insight and support to me and to the leadership team in what has been a challenging time for the organisation,” he said.

“I would like to thank her for the significant amount that she has achieved during her time in RTE which has been helpful in putting the organisation back on a financially sustainable path.

“Mari has been meticulous in dealing with legacy issues as we put a robust governance framework in place for the future and we are grateful to her for that.

“I would like to offer Mari my very best wishes for her new role.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said he had been informed of the resignation.

“The minister wishes to thank Ms Hurley for her service and wishes her well in the future. He will be engaging with the chair and director general of RTE in the coming days,” they said.