SBS welcomes new Chair
Former Medibank Private boss George Savvides to lead the Board at SBS.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher has announced George Savvides AM as the new SBS Chair for a period of five years.
His appointment follows Dr Bulent Hass Dellal AO’s departure in June after a decade of service.
Savvides is the son of Greek Cypriot parents. Between 2002 and 2016 he was the Managing Director of Medibank Private Limited. He was also a Director of World Vision Australia from 2012-2018.
SBS Managing Director, James Taylor; said: “On behalf of the Board and SBS, I’d like to congratulate George on his appointment. Since being appointed as Deputy Chair in 2017, and most recently as Acting Chair, he has played a key role in ensuring SBS is a contemporary media organisation in a rapidly changing sector, serving and celebrating a contemporary and diverse multicultural society. I look forward to continuing to work with George and the SBS Board as we evolve in service of all Australians.”
Mr Savvides said, “It’s a great honour to have the opportunity to chair SBS. Over 45 years, SBS has played a vital role in informing and shaping Australia, not only meeting the needs of multicultural communities and our First Nations people, but helping all Australians explore and celebrate our diversity. It is a truly unique organisation, supporting economic and civil participation, and striving to inspire all Australians to experience the benefits of social inclusion.
“SBS’s role for the next 45 years will be even more important as our nation’s diversity increases, and I look forward to working with the Board, Executive and the entire SBS team to ensure SBS continues to play a special role in Australia’s future.
“I also acknowledge former Chair, Dr Bulent Hass Dellal AO, who I had the great privilege to work with. I thank Hass for his inspiring and passionate advocacy for SBS and the role it plays in Australia.”
Savvides’ appointment comes at a time of some criticism over workplace culture and diversity at SBS. SBS Board now also includes Peeyush Gupta AM, Daryl Karp AM, William Lenehan, Sally Walker AM, Dorothy West, Christine Zeitz, and James Taylor (Managing Director).