The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has appointed Dr Nicholas Pappas AM, the chairman of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, as the new Chair of the SBS Board, placing the prominent corporate director at the helm of the public broadcaster.
Pappas’ appointment was announced by Communications and Sport Minister Anika Wells, with SBS confirming he stepped into the role on 5 March 2026 after serving as a Non-Executive Director on the board since December 2024.
The move elevates the lawyer and seasoned boardroom operator into one of the most significant governance roles in Australian media, overseeing the multicultural broadcaster as it continues to navigate a rapidly shifting media landscape.
From Rabbitohs boardroom to public broadcasting
Pappas brings a long résumé of board roles spanning sport, culture and philanthropy.
In addition to chairing the South Sydney Rabbitohs, he serves as President Emeritus of The Hellenic Initiative Australia and sits as a Non-Executive Director of the Steve Waugh Foundation and Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum.
His governance experience also includes previous roles as President and board member of the Powerhouse Museum and as Chair of the Bank of Sydney.
The SBS Board and executive welcomed the appointment in a statement, noting Pappas had already spent more than a year inside the organisation as a director before stepping into the chair role.
SBS acknowledges acting chair Christine Zeitz
The broadcaster also recognised the contribution of Christine Zeitz, who has served as Acting Chair since July 2025 following leadership changes at the organisation.
SBS thanked Zeitz for her service and commitment during the interim period leading up to the appointment.
Current SBS board composition
With Pappas now formally in the chair, the SBS Board comprises:
• Chair Dr Nicholas Pappas AM
• Deputy Chair Christine Zeitz
• Non-Executive Directors Vic Alhadeff OAM, Aaron Fa’Aoso, Dr Andrew Lu AM, Katrina Rathie, and Cassandra Wilkinson OAM
• Jane Palfreyman, SBS Acting Managing Director
The appointment marks the latest governance update for SBS as the broadcaster continues to operate across television, radio and digital platforms while maintaining its remit to serve Australia’s multicultural communities.
Main image: Nicholas Pappas.