Ed Kirkwood has announced his departure from the Australian Radio Network (ARN), stepping down from his role as Content Lead for KIIS Network Drive shows Will & Woody and The Pick Up after five years.
Kirkwood, who first joined Will & Woody as Executive Producer before moving into the network role, described the decision as a difficult one but said the timing felt right to explore new challenges.
“It’s a role that I’m proud to have done for five years, and has given me a large number of opportunities to grow and develop into an experienced content creator and leader,” he shared on LinkedIn.
He paid tribute to the Will & Woody team, calling them “some of the hardest working and most talented people” he’s worked with, and expressed confidence the shows would continue to deliver standout content.
Kirkwood also acknowledged key ARN executives including Derek Bargwanna, Duncan Campbell and Adrian Brine, crediting them with helping him develop his skills in content strategy, commercialisation and leadership.
Will & Woody
Future plans
As a show, Will & Woody sits in very different positions across the east coast, highlighting the challenge ahead for ARN as Kirkwood departs.
In Sydney, the show has momentum, holding the #2 spot with a 7.4% share, up from 6.2% in the previous survey and second only to smooth’s dominant 12.3%.
But in Melbourne, the picture is tougher, with the program sitting 6th on the same 7.4%, well behind sister station GOLD’s market-leading 12.3%.
While his official next step remains undecided, Kirkwood says his focus will stay on creating and enabling strong content. “I love making content and empowering great content creators to do their best work, in whatever context that might be,” he wrote.
He’s also revealed he’s got plans to finish his WSET Level 3 wine qualification, and spend the rest of his free time playing golf and watching the footy.