James Taylor will leave his role as managing director of SBS later this year to take on the position of managing director and chief executive officer at oOh!media.
Taylor, who has led SBS since 2018, will join the Out of Home company in late 2025 or early 2026, succeeding Cathy O’Connor. O’Connor announced in April her intention to step down after more than four years in the role and will remain with oOh! until January 2026 to ensure an orderly transition.
Taylor joined SBS in 2012 as chief financial officer before becoming managing director. Under his leadership, SBS delivered record audience and revenue outcomes, launched a world-class digital transformation, implemented a multilingual content strategy, and embedded First Nations storytelling through its Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan. SBS On Demand became the highest-rated Australian app on Apple and Android stores during his tenure.
“It’s been a privilege to lead SBS and work alongside such a talented and committed team,” Taylor said. “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.”
Acting SBS chairperson Christine Zeitz said Taylor was leaving SBS “in remarkable health” in its 50th year, with expansion plans for Western Sydney and staff engagement at record highs. “James has been an outstanding leader for SBS, delivering a world-class digital transformation at a challenging time for the industry,” she said.
At oOh!media, Taylor will lead the next multi-year phase of strategy execution and growth. Chair Tony Faure said: “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.”
Taylor described the move as “an exciting time” to join the fastest-growing sector in Australian media. “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.”
Taylor holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney, a Master of Commerce from the University of NSW, and has completed executive leadership programs at Harvard Business School and the Saïd Business School at Oxford University.
The SBS board will begin recruitment for a new managing director immediately.