Screen Australia Taps SBS Alum as Director of Strategy & Insights

Screen Australia has appointed SBS alum Adrian Coates as director of strategy and insights.

Coates will oversee the development, implementation and project management of Screen Australia’s strategy, research and government relations priorities. His appointment follows the recent launch of Screen Australia’s new Corporate Plan.

Coates most recently served as senior engagement manager at Strategic Project Partners, where he led strategic initiatives for federal and state government agencies, financial services and FMCG. Prior to that, he was head of audience data and insights at SBS, where he integrated traditional media analysis with emerging data capabilities to enhance SBS’s research function to drive decision-making across content and corporate strategy.

Coates will begin his role at Screen Australia on October 27 and will be based in its Sydney office.

“I am thrilled to be joining Screen Australia at a time when the industry is being fundamentally transformed,” Coates said. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to equip the industry with strategic insights and help Australian stories thrive in this evolving landscape.”

Deirdre Brennan, CEO of Screen Australia, commented, “Adrian brings a deep understanding of Australia’s screen sector and the vital role of insights in shaping organizational impact. Data-driven, outcome-focused decision-making is one of our key operational principles, and I’m excited to work with Adrian to empower the screen sector now and in the future.”