To be applauded for its continuity of leadership, Cathy O’Connor, who notified plans for her intention to step down from oOh!media back in April, will remain at the helm until the end of the year. But her successor has now been confirmed as James Taylor, who is currently the managing director of Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Australia’s multicultural and multilingual public broadcaster. Taylor will take the reins of the Out of Home media company at the start of the new year.
An immersive OOH build that demonstrates how OOH can be multi-dimensional: using an empty retail space, CommBank created a yellow billboard that peeled back to reveal a walk-through archway inviting pedestrians into a world full of NYC experiences—from a subway station, to hot-dog vendors, to a Times Square replica.
Taylor’s journey with SBS has spanned over a decade, including as CFO for more than five years and his consequent appointment as MD in 2018. Prior to this he held senior leadership roles at Deloitte, British Telecom and the ABC, always with a strong focus on corporate strategy, operational efficiency and organisational transformation.
Arguably his most notable achievement since taking the helm at SBS, has been to lead the growth of the broadcaster’s digital and technology platforms, like SBS On Demand, delivering strong advertising revenue growth and increased total audience consumption. This has enabled him to forge deep industry relationships across the media and advertising industries, which will no doubt stand him in good stead for his new role with oOh!media.
James Taylor takes over as MD and CEO of oOH!media in early 2026Taylor says: “I’m thrilled to be joining oOh!media at such an exciting time for the business and the Out of Home sector, the fastest growing sector in the Australian media landscape. I look forward to bringing my experience working in diverse media organisations, as well as working with the Board and leadership team to supercharge the delivery of our strategy for the benefit of our customers, people and shareholders.”
oOh!media Chair, Tony Faure adds: “Cathy joined oOh!media as CEO in the middle of the COVID pandemic and has been instrumental in leading the business through a period of significant change. She led the company through its most successful period of major contract wins while implementing a disciplined commercial mindset and setting the platform for our ongoing digital evolution.”
“We are delighted to now welcome James Taylor as our incoming managing director and CEO. He is a proven leader in the media industry with a strong track record of delivery and execution and his tenure enables us to remains highly confident in the Company’s strategy, focused on energising oOh!media’s sales and go-to-market approach, unlocking the full potential of our market-leading network of 35,000 assets, and positioning the business to lead in the retail media segment.”
