James Taylor.
The SBS board has officially appointed James Taylor as managing director.
Taylor, whose term will run for five years, has been acting in the role since the departure of Michael Ebeid earlier this month.
Most recently SBS’s chief finance officer, Taylor has worked for the broadcaster for six years and played a significant role in the development of its strategy and digital evolution. Prior to SBS, he held executive roles at Deloitte, British Telecom and the ABC.
SBS chairman, Dr Bulent Hass Dellal said: “James sets a very high benchmark as a widely respected leader with a deep understanding of SBS and the challenges it faces, and as a champion for all that it stands for.
“The board has great confidence in James’ skill and ability to be an inspiring leader of SBS, building on recent developments and successes to date, and empowering the organisation and its people to take SBS forward into the future.
“Not only does James have a comprehensive and innate knowledge of SBS and its operations, he has developed a significant level of trust and rapport with its board, the executive team and employees throughout the organisation over the years. He has been a driving force and key collaborator across a range of projects which have seen SBS transform into the modern, innovative and efficient multiplatform broadcaster it is today.
“Importantly, James exhibits a genuine and contagious passion for the unique position SBS holds in the Australian media landscape, for delivering an outstanding service to all Australians that truly represents them and tells their stories, and for SBS continuing to play a vital role in Australia’s success as a thriving multicultural nation. The board looks forward to working with him in the years ahead.”
Of his appointment, Taylor said: “I’m incredibly proud to work at SBS, and privileged to be appointed as its managing director.
“With the continually changing face of modern Australia, and in a landscape of polarised views and debate, the value of an independent and trusted public broadcaster committed to helping Australians understand each other better, has never been more important.
“SBS provides a distinctive and unparalleled offering for audiences. Working with the talented team, our focus for the future is for SBS to continue being an innovative and effective leader in championing the benefits of a more inclusive society, exploring multicultural and Indigenous stories otherwise untold, giving a voice to communities often unheard, and continuing to reinforce our value to all Australians.”