SBS Director of TV joins Foxtel

Marshall Heald has resigned from SBS as Director of TV and Online Content for a new role at Foxtel.

He takes on a newly created role of Executive Director Foxtel Entertainment, responsible for the creative vision and editorial strategy for all content on the owned and operated Foxtel entertainment and movie channels together plus all On Demand content on Foxtel IQ, Foxtel Now and Foxtel Go, including third-party channels, sports channels, integrated third-party apps and TVOD movies.

During his 14 years at SBS, Heald was previously Chief Digital Officer leading the adoption of digital technologies and innovation across SBS, and formerly Manager, Digital Media, with responsibility for SBS’s online presence.

Foxtel Group’s Chief Commercial and Content Officer Amanda Laing said, “As we continue the Foxtel Group’s transformation as Australia’s favourite entertainment company, we are delighted to have Marshall join us in this important leadership role.

“Foxtel offers an incredible range of Australian and international entertainment content, and we have seen rapid growth in On Demand viewing over the past two years. Marshall’s creativity and experience will help take engagement to the next level across channels and On Demand, supporting the investments we are continuing to make in Foxtel as a core part of the Group’s vision for the future.

“This includes the successful launch of the iQ5 in September, accelerating our shift to On Demand and streaming.

“How we curate and present our content has never been more strategically important, and Marshall’s leadership will be an important element in driving our future success, to deliver on our ambitions and build on the momentum the Foxtel Group has established,” she said.

In a statement SBS said Heald had made a significant, defining, and enduring contribution during his tenure, including the last seven years as SBS’s Director of TV and Online Content.

“Under his leadership, SBS has increased its local content production and is delivering more distinctive Australian stories for audiences in service of our Charter than ever before – including acclaimed dramas such as New Gold Mountain, critical and conversation-starting documentaries such as See What You Made Me Do, and entertainment moments that capture the nation like the Eurovision Song Contest. Marshall has also overseen the launch of SBS multi-channels SBS VICELAND, SBS Food, and SBS World Movies,” said the broadcaster.

Chris Irvine, SBS Head of Commercial and Production, will be acting in the role from February 2022, when Heald will be departing.

SBS will shortly commence a national and international search for a new Director of Television and Online Content.