Renowned Greek Cypriot-Australian George Savvides has been appointed Chairman of the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS).

Mr Savvides, a highly respected businessman in Australia, has more than 30 years of experience in the Australian and New Zealand health care sector. He was Managing Director of the government-owned enterprise, Medibank and ASX-listed Medibank Private for 14 years, until 2016.

Mr Savvides joined the SBS board in February 2017, as deputy chairman and has been acting chairman since June 2, 2020.

“Mr Savvides is an eminent Australian and a highly respected businessman. I am pleased that he is stepping into this position and have no doubt that as Chair he will continue to make a valuable contribution to the Board of SBS,” said Paul Fletcher, the Federal Minister of Communications and Arts, in congratulating Mr Savvides on his appointment as Chair of SBS.

63 year old George Savvides was born in Sydney, Father from Kyrenia and Mother from Nicosia he attended the University of Technology, Sydney and New South Wales, University.

The outgoing chair is Dr Hass Dellal AO who served on the board of the SBS for the last 10 years

“The foundation for SBS is very strong,” George Savvides 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.”

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.

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.”