Jewish community leader Vic Alhadeff appointed to the SBS board

Prominent Jewish community leader Vic Alhadeff has been appointed to the SBS Board for a term of five years, effective immediately

Former chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Vic Alhadeff will join the SBS board. Picture: AAP

Prominent Jewish community leader Vic Alhadeff has been ­appointed to the SBS board for a term of five years.

Alhadeff, the one-time editor of The Australian Jewish News and former chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, will take up his position as a non-executive director on the SBS board immediately.

Mr Alhadeff replaces Daryl Karp, who served two consecutive five-year terms on the board from 2011 to 2021.

Christine Zeitz, who was appointed to the board as a non-executive director in May 2018, has been elevated to the position of deputy chairwoman.

Ms Zeitz is the general manager of defence contractor Northrop Grumman Asia ­Pacific.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said Mr Alhadeff and Ms Zeitz had “a wealth of knowledge and expertise … that will enable them to understand the needs and interests of SBS’s diverse audience.”

“They will strengthen the already diverse skills available to SBS’s leadership team, including in areas such as the Asia Pacific and multicultural affairs,” Mr Fletcher said.

Mr Alhadeff is currently a part-time consultant with the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

“I am deeply honoured to have been appointed to the SBS board,” Mr Alhadeff said.

“SBS plays a vital role in ­fostering understanding and ­appreciation of diversity in Australia.

“Its ethos accords precisely with my own, as I have dedicated my career to building a more ­resilient, respectful and inclusive society.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside the SBS board and executive to advance the organisation’s mission.”

Alhadeff led a three-year campaign that in 2018 resulted in the passing of a new provision of the NSW Crimes Act, outlawing incitement to violence on the basis of race, religion, gender or sexual identity.

The current chairman of the SBS board is the former managing director of Medibank Private, George Savvides.

Other members of the board include the broadcaster’s managing director James Taylor along with Warren Mundine, Peeyush Gupta, Bill Lenehan, Sally Walker and Dorothy West.

Originally published as Jewish community leader Vic Alhadeff appointed to the SBS board