SBS appoints Kathryn Fink as Chief Content Officer in new executive structure

21/10/2026

SBS appoints Kathryn Fink as Chief Content Officer in new executive structure

21 October, 2026

Media releases

SBS has announced a new executive structure appointing Kathryn Fink as Chief Content Officer in an expanded role and elevating Matthew Hancock to Director of Digital. Both changes are effective immediately.

The move builds on SBS's strong content foundations, bringing key content functions together to lead content strategy and delivery across linear, audio, digital and third-party platforms. It also reflects the growing importance of SBS On Demand as people's ways of discovering and engaging with content continue to evolve.

As Chief Content Officer, Ms Fink will lead a portfolio bringing together key content-related functions -Television and Online Content, Sport, National Indigenous Television (NITV), Audio and Language Content, Digital, and Marketing and Audiences. Her role will support more integrated planning and delivery of content across all platforms, while recognising the breadth of SBS's offering, including audio services in more than 60 languages.

A highly experienced international media executive, Ms Fink joined SBS as Director of Television in July 2022, having previously held senior roles with the Walt Disney Company, Sky Italia and News Corp. She oversaw SBS's record-breaking coverage of the 2026 FIFA World CupTM, which reached more than 18.1 million Australians, and the launch of Alone Australia, which is SBS's most successful original commission and currently heading into its fifth season.

As Director of Digital, Mr Hancock will lead digital audience growth, product development and platform strategy, with a strong focus on continuing to innovate SBS On Demand. He will sit on the SBS Executive team and report to Ms Fink, also working in close collaboration with SBS's technology, commercial, marketing and audience functions.

Mr Hancock joined SBS in 2016 and has served as General Manager of Streaming & Digital Products since July 2024, formerly holding roles at Screen Producers Australia, Screen Australia and the Australian Film Commission. Under his stewardship, SBS On Demand has become one of Australia's highest rated streaming services, combining a catalogue of more than 15,000 hours of local and international content, 16.9 million registered users, and market-leading multilingual discovery and navigation.

SBS Managing Director, Jane Palfreyman, said: SBS tells stories that reflect our nation and connect Australians with one another and the wider world. As digital platforms continue to reshape how audiences discover and engage with content, this new executive structure supports more integrated planning and closer collaboration. By bringing our people and expertise together across content and platforms, we can take SBS's distinctive stories and services to more Australians - and help everyone feel part of the story of modern Australia.

SBS Chief Content Officer, Kathryn Fink, said: SBS's distinctive role in the Australian media landscape has never been more important, connecting with audiences across multi-genres and platforms in more than 60 languages. Bringing our incredibly talented content, marketing and digital teams together will help audiences discover and engage with the stories and services that matter to them, wherever they choose to watch, listen or read. It's a privilege to lead this work and continue delivering meaningful impact for communities across the country.

SBS Director of Digital, Matthew Hancock, said: SBS has long been a leader in digital transformation, building intuitive, tailored, accessible and scalable experiences that respond to changing audience needs. I'm looking forward to working with teams across SBS to shape the next stage of our digital strategy, bringing our distinctive, trusted and multilingual content to all Australians in new ways.

Also reporting to Ms Fink as part of this new executive structure are the Director of Audio & Language Content and Director of Marketing & Audiences. Both roles remain on the SBS Executive team and have a dual reporting line to the Managing Director. Recruitment is currently underway for a new Director of Audio & Language Content - view the job ad.

SBS Audio is a core part of SBS's offering, producing original Australian content and providing services to audiences and communities in more than 60 languages. Its place in the new Content portfolio recognises its importance to whole-of-content planning, audience growth and cross-platform opportunities, said Ms Palfreyman.

Also effective immediately, Stig Bell has been elevated to the role of Chief People Officer, after serving as SBS Director of People & Culture since August 2017 and initially joining the public broadcaster in 2013. His expanded remit spans the people and culture, inclusion, organisational capability and enterprise strategy functions.

The full SBS Executive team and Director bios can be viewed here.

Notes to editors:

About Kathryn Fink

Kathryn Fink was appointed SBS Chief Content Officer in October 2026. With more than 30 years industry experience, she has worked across major media markets including Los Angeles, New York and Hong Kong, and in senior roles overseeing content and operations for television and streaming services including at the Walt Disney Company, Sky Italia and News Corp.

Prior to returning to Australia and joining SBS as Director of Television in 2022, Ms Fink was General Manager, Media for the Walt Disney Company in Italy responsible for Disney+, PayTV channels, original content production and content sales. She has also served as Managing Director at the Fox Networks Group in Italy and played a key role in the launch of Sky Italia in 2003.

About Matthew Hancock

Matthew Hancock was appointed SBS Director of Digital in October 2026. He bring

LINK:	https://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/2026/10/21/sbs-appoints-kathryn-fink-as...
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