George Savvides appointed new SBS chair

The former managing director of Medibank has served on the SBS Board since 2017.

George Savvides has been appointed as the new chair of the SBS Board Source: Supplied

George Savvides has been appointed the new chair of the SBS Board.

Mr Savvides had been acting in the position since 3 June, after previous chair Bulent Hass Dellal retired from the role after ten years.

“The foundation for SBS is very strong,” he told SBS News on Thursday.

“We build stronger and more resilient communities, and everyone in Australia benefits from that.”

“We're excited about the future, we see that there's still a lot more to do and the relevance of what we bring to Australia is becoming even stronger as we go forward.”

The son of Greek Cypriot migrants, Mr Savvides has three decades of management experience, primarily in the Australian healthcare sector.

He spent 14 years serving as managing director of Medibank, overseeing its privatisation on the ASX in 2014.

He is also a prominent figure in the charity sector and previously chaired the board of World Vision Australia.

“I wanted to stay connected with the other parts of life that keep your heart going ... to not be a boring businessman in a suit,” he said.

Earlier this year, he was made a member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to the community, charitable groups and business.

George Savvides in his former role as Medibank Private CEO. Source: AAP

Mr Savvides' tenure as board chair begins as SBS continues to adapt to changing audience habits.

The public broadcaster has also launched new initiatives to promote inclusivity.

“If there's anything in our past or even in our present ... where we're not treating people fairly or respectfully or where there is implied racism, that is not acceptable,” he said.

SBS Headquarters in Artarmon, Sydney Source: SBS

The appointment of Mr Savvides has been welcomed by the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia.

“At a highly charged time in which diversity is prominently within the public discourse, Mr Savvides understands the importance of representing the disparate voices and faces and stories of Australians on TV, radio and online,” FECCA Chair Mary Patetsos said. 

“Mr Savvides' appointment will ensure the media organisation continues to entertain, inform and serve Australians.”