Bulent Hass Dellal has been appointed the new chair of the SBS board.
Communications Minister, Mitch Fifield, made the announcement, which was welcomed by SBS's Managing Director Michael Ebeid.
"On behalf of the Board and the SBS team, I’d like to congratulate Dr Dellal on his appointment, which I have no doubt will be well received by both the employees of SBS, and the communities we serve," he said.
"He has contributed enormously to SBS during more than six years serving on the board, including as Deputy Chairman, and has done a tremendous job as acting chair over the last year. I’m delighted that he’s been formally appointed to the role."
Mr Ebeid said Dr Dellal's "extensive knowledge of multicultural affairs, his many years of experience working with diverse community groups, and his strong connections within communities have been invaluable to SBS".
"I look forward to working closely with him and the Board as SBS continues to deliver distinctive programs and services which help migrants understand Australian culture and values, support Indigenous communities, and showcase the benefits of diversity to all Australians, while also continuing to invest in the organisation’s digital future ensuring that SBS is in a great place for the years ahead," he said.
Dr Dellal said he was "incredibly proud" to be appointed the SBS board chair.
"SBS’s unique ability to access, explore and share stories of Indigenous and multicultural Australia, for all Australians, continues to be one of our greatest and most valuable strengths," he said.
"As the media sector continues to go through transformative changes, I look forward to working with the Board and management to ensure SBS continues to play such a vital and special role in Australia’s future."
Dr Dellal will serve as chairman for just over three years, which will make up the maximum 10 years one person is allowed to serve on the SBS board.
He was originally appointed a director in 2010, and is also a member of many other groups and foundations, including being the Executive Director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, Chairman of the Centre for Multicultural Youth, Chairman of the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies Consultative Committee (Melbourne University) and the Chairman of the Islamic Museum of Australia.
He is also a member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee of the Family Court of Australia, Adult Multicultural Education Services and the Victoria Police Ethical Standards Consultative Committee.
For his services to multicultural organisations, the arts and the community, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1997.
