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New faces at helm,
Screen Australia's future bright,
Stories yet to tell.
Screen Australia board appoints Michael Ebeid as new chair, MFA board member Megan Brownlow as deputy chair
The Albanese Labor Government has announced the appointment of Michael Ebeid AM as Chair of the Screen Australia Board, with Megan Brownlow named as Deputy Chair.
Screen Australia is the government's primary agency for supporting the development of a creative, innovative and commercially sustainable Australian production industry.
Ebeid brings over three decades of experience in the media, technology, and telecommunications sectors to his new role. He served as CEO and Managing Director of SBS from 2011 to 2018 and was previously Group Executive at Telstra. In 2017, Ebeid was made a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the broadcast media and multicultural affairs. He currently holds non-executive director roles at the Sydney Opera House and BAI Communications. Ebeid was appointed to the Screen Australia Board on 14 July 2023.
Brownlow, with over 25 years' experience in media and marketing, is currently the Principal of Hosten consulting and was previously a partner with PWC and the National Leader of the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) Industry Practice. She is Deputy Chair of the Media Federation of Australia, Chair of the Industry Advisory Board for the School of Communications, UTS and a non-executive director of video technology company Atomos (ASX: AMS). Brownlow has served as Deputy Chair of the Screen Australia Board since 14 March 2017.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, thanked outgoing Chair, Nicholas Moore, for his leadership since 2015. "Modern Australia is alive on our screens. Screen Australia is integral to telling those stories. Both of these appointments will help secure the future of Screen Australia. Importantly that means we can hear and see Australian stories that are yet to be told."
Ebeid expressed his excitement and honour at the appointment.
"I'm honoured and excited to Chair Screen Australia as we navigate the dynamic landscape of evolving audience behaviour, shifting consumption trends and the multifaceted challenges confronting the screen and production industry to ensure it continues to thrive," he said.
"As content and technology increasingly intersect, Screen Australia plays a vital role in the health of our screen sector, not just in nurturing local talent, but also in ensuring Australian stories and culture are preserved through compelling productions that resonate with both Australian and international audiences. Looking ahead, I am dedicated to playing a key role in supporting the growth and development of the Australian screen industry, which not only contributes substantially to our economy but also serves as a cultural ambassador on the global stage."