Screen Australia hires former SBS exec Adrian Coates as director of strategy and insights

Screen Australia, the Oz government’s funding body for the local screen industry, has hired former SBS exec Adrian Coates as director of strategy and insights.

Adrian Coates

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 revised corporate plan, which includes a key remit of equipping the industry with insights and resources to stay competitive in a dynamic market.

Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan said: “Data-driven, outcome-focused decision making is one of our key operational principals and I’m excited to work with Adrian to empower the screen sector now and in the future.”

Coates most recently served as senior engagement manager at Strategic Project Partners, leading strategic initiatives for federal and state government agencies, financial services and fast-moving consumer goods.

Prior to that, he worked at Australian broadcaster SBS for eight years in the roles of head of audience data and insights and head of corporate strategy.

“I am thrilled to be joining Screen Australia at a time when the industry is being fundamentally transformed. 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,” Coates said.

Coates commences his new role on October 27, based in Sydney.