SBS ends its CTO search

Public broadcaster SBS has finally found a permanent chief technology officer, appointing acting CTO Darren Farnham to the role.

Farnham has held the acting CTO role since August last year following the departure of Noel Leslie.

SBS began its search for a permanent CTO in March, calling the role a "rare opportunity" during a "time of change and transformation" at the broadcaster.

Farnham will begin his permanent role immediately, leading the tech division at SBS and the continued delivery of unique advancements for its audiences, including the recent launch of the station's Chinese media site, SBS中文.

He will oversee all of the broadcaster’s technological and operational broadcasting services and will work alongside SBS' corporate strategy and product development teams.

A SBS spokesperson told iTnews after a thorough recruitment process, Farnham was the strongest candidate for the role.

“During his time at SBS he has successfully led transformative projects for the organisation in media asset management, playout, and enhanced production," the spokesperson said. 

“We are confident he will continue to bring his effective leadership and wealth of knowledge to the role.”

Farnham said in a statement he is “delighted” to be appointed CTO.

He has worked for SBS since 2015, first as broadcast operations manager before becoming head of technology operations and service in 2019.

Farnham also worked at Network Ten for over 13 years in various senior operational and technology roles, and has also held similar roles at TVN (ThoroughVision) and Prime Television.