The search for a new SBS chair is underway as George Savvides prepares to leave his role in July 2024.
The Federal Government is set to commence a selection process for a new SBS chair, following the announcement by George Savvides that he will not seek reappointment when his second term concludes in July next year.
Savvides, who was appointed chair in July 2020 after serving as deputy chair since February 2017, played a pivotal role in the broadcaster’s response to the pandemic, particularly in ensuring that non-English speaking Australians, along with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, had access to vital and culturally relevant information.
Throughout his tenure, Savvides led a strategic push to position SBS as a key element of Australia’s cultural and communications infrastructure, working collaboratively with governments at various levels.
His leadership extended beyond the immediate challenges of the pandemic, focusing on initiatives that emphasised the broadcaster’s role in fostering social cohesion and supporting diverse communities.
In explaining his decision, Savvides expressed a desire to rebalance his personal and professional commitments.
“I am proud to have been the chair and deputy chair of SBS during this critical period, noting, in particular, the proactive work of SBS to collaborate across a range of areas to deliver better social and economic outcomes for all the communities we serve, and supporting participation in all facets of life in this country,” he said.
“It has been a pleasure to work with my talented and committed SBS Board members, who will continue to serve and support the great role that SBS plays in Australia.
“Being the chair of an organisation with such a high-performing management team at SBS and led so ably by our managing director James Taylor is a privilege. Their passion and commitment to SBS and the communities we serve is second to none.”
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland paid tribute to Savvides, praising his commitment to diversity and his role in positioning the SBS as a modern public broadcaster.
“Under his stable leadership the SBS continues to deliver multilingual and multicultural broadcasting and digital media services reflecting our society, fostering social cohesion, and celebrating and respecting Australia’s diverse way of life,” Rowland said.
“Savvides navigated our multicultural public broadcaster through a challenging time that included the COVID-19 pandemic, and demonstrated that the role of the SBS in our nation is as vital as ever, and I want to thank and recognise him for his outstanding service to SBS and the community in this role.”
The government will now embark on a merit-based selection process to appoint a new chair, overseen by the independent Nomination Panel for ABC and SBS board appointments, with support from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
