SBS confirms changes to corporate comms team

BY Neil Griffiths

September 17, 2024 12:18

SBS confirms changes to corporate comms team

SBS has announced a shake up to its communications team.

On Tuesday, the network announced that Leah Boonthanom has taken on the role of head of corporate communications effective immediately, replacing Nic Christensen, who has moved into a consulting role for SBS.

“Leah has been a senior member of the SBS corporate communications team for almost three years and is well placed to continue the positive momentum that we have built – telling the story of SBS as a uniquely placed national broadcaster at the intersection of public and commercial media,” Clare O’Neil, SBS director of corporate affairs, said.

“I’d also like to thank Nic for his significant contribution in helping drive a strong media presence over these past few years. He has brought a tremendous energy and strategic thinking to the role and made sure our voice has been heard across a range of platforms. We are pleased he will continue to be part of the SBS family.”

Boonthanom has managed SBS’ internal communications and comms for its audio division for the past three years, including oversight for the rebrand of SBS Radio to SBS Audio.

“SBS is a media organisation like no other, and I am excited to continue amplifying SBS’s unique position in market. Having worked in Australia and overseas, I’m so proud of the critical role that SBS plays in telling the bold human stories that connect us all, and how SBS is leading the industry in so many areas,” she said.

Boonthanom and Christensen

“Nic’s dynamic leadership has been invaluable, and he leaves a strong comms team who look forward to working with him in this new consultancy capacity.”

Meanwhile, Christensen – who has worked with SBS for the past two-and-a-half years, joining in March 2022 from Nine as its head of corporate affairs – will still consult with the network.

“Leah is someone who embodies and lives the SBS Charter and together with the stellar comms team, in place, I have every confidence she and the team will continue to tell the SBS story with tremendous passion, integrity and drive,” Christensen said.

“I’m immensely proud of what the team has achieved over the past few years and I’m very pleased I’ll still get to work with them in this new consulting role, while also getting to spend a bit more time at home in Melbourne.”

Boonthanom will be supported in her new role by Sarah Vahtola (who manages SBS TV/NITV comms) and Guy Podmore (who manages SBS news and current affairs/sport comms).