SBS confirms Nikki Rooke and Uma Oldham in executive roles

SBS has strengthened its leadership team, appointing Nine's Nikki Rooke as chief commercial officer and confirming Uma Oldham as director of marketing and audiences.

Rooke joins from Nine, where she is currently director of sales – total television, leading the national sales team across metropolitan and regional television and BVOD. She will join SBS later this year.

Oldham, meanwhile, takes on the director of marketing and audiences role permanently after serving in the position in an acting capacity since September last year. She joined SBS in 2017 and has played a key role in growing SBS On Demand, strengthening the SBS brand and expanding audience engagement.

SBS managing director Jane Palfreyman said Rooke's commercial experience would help support the broadcaster's long-term growth.

"Nikki brings outstanding commercial experience and a clear understanding of how effective client partnerships and sustainable revenue can support public value," Palfreyman said.

"Her leadership will be critical as SBS continues to build the commercial strength that supports our distinctive content and services."

Palfreyman said Oldham had already demonstrated her ability to grow audiences and strengthen the broadcaster's brand.

"Uma has already played an important role in growing SBS On Demand, strengthening the SBS brand and connecting more Australians with our content," she said.

"She brings deep audience insight and a clear understanding of SBS's purpose."

Rooke said the opportunity to join SBS came at a significant moment for Australia's media industry.

"The opportunity to be part of the executive team at SBS at such a pivotal moment for the Australian media landscape was one I simply had to take," she said.

Oldham said she looked forward to growing the broadcaster's reach and audience engagement.