SBS's Managing Director Michael Ebeid is stepping down after seven years at the helm.
Mr Ebeid, who has worked in the role since June 2011, made an emotional announcement to staff on Tuesday.
"My decision to step down has been one of the most difficult decisions I've made," he said in a statement.
"Serving as the SBS Managing Director has been a real honour and privilege and I depart feeling confident that this is the right time for a new managing director to take the organisation forward.
Under Mr Ebeid's leadership, SBS launched On Demand, along with the Food Network and NITV free-to-air.
He struck an exclusive content deal with VICE as well as securing rights agreements for the FIFA World Cup and Tour de France and deals for the English Premier League and A-League.
"SBS is the strongest it has been in over 40 years," he said.
"We are more relevant than ever and we are ready for the future. Considering the struggle of societies globally to integrate diverse communities harmoniously, SBS today performs a critical role in the Australian community."
Mr Ebeid was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours for "significant service to the broadcast media and multicultural affairs as an executive, innovator and business leader".
In 2017, he won The CEO Magazine's CEO of the Year award.
