Nicholas Pappas has been appointed Chair of the SBS Board, stepping into the top governance role at Australia’s national multicultural broadcaster.
The appointment was confirmed on Friday after Minister for Communications and Sport Anika Wells announced that Pappas, who has served as a non-executive director on the SBS Board since December 2024, would lead the organisation’s governing body.
A lawyer and experienced company director, Pappas brings extensive governance experience across business, cultural and community organisations. He currently serves as Chair of the South Sydney Rabbitohs and President Emeritus of The Hellenic Initiative Australia, alongside several other board roles.
His current appointments also include non-executive director positions with the Steve Waugh Foundation and Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum. He has previously held roles with the Powerhouse Museum and the Bank of Sydney.
Pappas succeeds George Savvides AM, who stepped down as SBS Chair in July 2025 after eight years with the broadcaster. During the interim period, Deputy Chair Christine Zeitz served as Acting Chair while a permanent appointment was finalised.
Pappas officially commenced in the role on 5 March 2026. The appointment was welcomed by SBS board members including Christine Zeitz, Vic Alhadeff OAM, Aaron Fa’Aoso, Dr Andrew Lu AM, Katrina Rathie and Cassandra Wilkinson OAM, as well as Acting Managing Director Jane Palfreyman.
