SBS Managing Director James Taylor will be stepping down from his role at the public broadcaster after 13 years of service, with the last seven years as Managing Director.
Appointed as Managing Director in October 2018, Taylor has presided over a period of record growth for SBS.
“It’s been a privilege to lead SBS and work alongside such a talented and committed team. I’m incredibly proud that today we’re reaching the biggest audiences in our history, producing more original local content than ever, and doing it with a credibility we’ve earned, not claimed,” said Taylor.
“SBS has a clear purpose: to serve, reflect and connect all Australians – no matter where their story began or what language they speak. We strengthen society by sharing diverse perspectives and experiences – reflecting the rich, complex reality of contemporary Australia.
“I’d like to thank the whole SBS team and in particular my Board and Executive colleagues for their commitment to SBS and the support they’ve shown me over the years.”
Acting SBS Chairperson Christine Zeitz said: “James has been an outstanding leader for SBS, delivering a world-class digital transformation at a challenging time for the industry, implementing an end-to-end multilingual strategy for all our content, and embedding First Nations storytelling including through a transformative Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan. SBS On Demand is the highest rated Australian app on the Apple and Android app stores, last year SBS was named as Australia’s most trusted news, and SBS currently enjoys the highest total revenues in its history.
“In our 50th year, with plans for SBS to expand to Western Sydney, staff engagement at record highs, and the excitement building for the men’s FIFA World Cup in 2026, James is leaving the organisation in remarkable health. On behalf of the Board I want to thank him for his thoughtful and committed leadership of SBS for the past seven years.”
The SBS Board of Directors will immediately begin a recruitment process to recruit a new Managing Director.
Taylor will depart SBS in the coming months to take on the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of out-of-home advertising company oOh!media. He is expected to join oOh! in late 2025/early 2026.
Mr Taylor’s appointment follows oOh!media’s announcement on 29 April 2025 that Managing Director and CEO, Cathy O’Connor, advised of her intention to step down after more than four years leading the Company.
Chair of oOh!, Tony Faure, said “We are delighted to welcome James Taylor as our incoming Managing Director and CEO. James is a proven leader in the media industry with a strong track record of delivery and execution, and we are excited about the growth oriented vision and energy he brings to the Company.”
Mr Taylor said he looked forward to taking on the role, “I’m thrilled to be joining oOh! at such an exciting time for the business and the Out of Home sector, the fastest growing sector in the Australian media landscape. I look forward to bringing my experience working in diverse media organisations to oOh!, as well as working collaboratively with the Board and management team to supercharge the delivery of our strategy for the benefit of our customers, people and shareholders.”
Mr Taylor will commence as Managing Director and CEO by early 2026 and Ms O’Connor will remain with the Company until January 2026 to ensure an orderly transition and will cease employment with the Company at that time.
Visit https://www.sbs.com.au and https://oohmedia.com.au
