Media Release

New appointments to the Boards of the ABC and SBS

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced three new appointments to the boards of the ABC and SBS.

Mr Simon Mordant AM has been appointed to the ABC Board, while Ms Dorothy West and Mr William Lenehan have been appointed to the SBS Board. The new directors have been appointed for a period of five years.

"I congratulate Mr Mordant, Ms West and Mr Lenehan on their appointments. They will bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills to the boards of our national broadcasters that will continue to strengthen these important national institutions," Senator Conroy said.

"Mr Mordant's demonstrated capacity and experience, along with his outstanding contribution to the arts means he will make an excellent addition to the ABC Board.

"Ms West will play a significant role in the establishment of the new Indigenous television channel on SBS. Her comprehensive experience in the broadcasting industry, her strong management skills and her deep understanding of Indigenous issues will make her an asset to the SBS Board

"Mr Lenehan brings considerable television broadcasting management experience to the role through his extensive career with the Ten Network and will no doubt make a valuable contribution on the SBS Board."

The positions were widely advertised, and assessment and short-listing were carried out by the independent Nomination Panel chaired by Mr Ric Smith AO PSM.

"In accordance with the guidelines for the merit-based appointment process put in place by the Gillard Government, all appointees were selected from the Panel's shortlist.

"These merit-based appointments further demonstrate our resolve to remove political interference from this process and to promote independence in the ABC and SBS Boards."

Legislation to entrench this merit-based appointment process was passed by Parliament on 26 June 2012.

Date: 14 November 2012
Contact: Adam Sims 0408 258 457

Details about the Mr Mordant, Ms West, and Mr Lenehan are attached.

Simon Mordant AM - ABC Non-Executive Director

Mr Mordant is currently the Co-Chief Executive of Greenhill & Co Australia, an independent corporate advisory firm specialising in the provision of financial and strategic advice.

In addition, Mr Mordant is Chairman of the Museum of Contemporary Arts Board, Director of the Sydney Theatre Company and the Australian Commissioner for the 2013 Venice Biennale.

In January 2012 Mr Mordant received the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the arts and to the cultural environment of Australia through philanthropic and executive roles, and to the community.

Dorothy West - SBS Non-Executive Director

Ms West is currently a Board member of the Pilbara and Kimberley Aboriginal Media Association and is a self-employed scriptwriter and consultant.

Ms West was previously Head of Production, Goolarri Media Enterprises and has extensive experience in many aspects of the broadcasting industry, including television and film production.

In addition, Ms West has also held a number of board positions on a range of national Indigenous media organisations.

Ms West is from the Ngoonwar nation in the south-west of Western Australia and also has strong connections to the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

Mr William Lenehan - SBS Non-Executive Director

Mr Lenehan is a self-employed Media Industry consultant from Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

He is currently the Deputy Chairman of ThoroughVision Pty Ltd, a premium sports and interactive rights management company.

Mr Lenehan had a 28 year career with the Ten Network, culminating in General Manager positions in Brisbane and Sydney.

With strategic experience in a range of contexts, he has also been Chairman of Digital Broadcasting Australia, Chairman of Queensland Harness Racing, and he has been a Director of the National Australia Day Council.