Screen Producers Australia appoints Chris Keely as Chief Operating Officer – Screen Producers Australia has appointed Chris Keely as Chief Operating Officer, adding senior operational and public policy experience to the organisation’s executive team.
The appointment gives SPA another senior executive as the independent production sector deals with pressure on rights, finance, commissioning and audience data. For TV Central readers, the move matters because SPA’s work shapes the business environment behind Australian television, film, documentary, animation and screen industry events.
In the new role, Keely will oversee operations, finance, people and organisational performance. SPA says the position will strengthen member services and help the organisation deliver its strategic objectives.
SPA Welcomes Keely
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner welcomed Keely to the executive team. Deaner pointed to his mix of media, policy and organisational leadership experience.
“Chris brings an exceptional combination of executive leadership, media expertise and public policy experience,” Deaner said. “His proven track record of leading organisations through change, strengthening operational performance and delivering strategic outcomes will be an enormous asset to SPA.”
Deaner said the Chief Operating Officer role would support SPA as it continues to evolve as a member-focused organisation. He also said the role would help SPA support the long-term success of Australia’s independent screen production sector.
Industry Experience
Keely has worked across law, media, telecommunications and government. His executive experience spans Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
His career includes commercial and operational leadership, organisational transformation and strategic delivery across both the public and private sectors.
He previously served as Executive Director of Create NSW. During that period, he led the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic. That work included support for the arts and screen sectors while services had to adapt quickly to changing industry needs.
Most recently, Keely was Deputy Director of a not-for-profit organisation focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion in Australian workplaces. SPA says he helped improve operational effectiveness and maintain service delivery for members and stakeholders.
Focus On Members
Keely said he was pleased to join SPA and looked forward to working with the team.
“I look forward to working with the team to strengthen our organisational capability, enhance the services we provide to members, and ensure initiatives such as SCREEN FOREVER continue to evolve and deliver exceptional value for our members, partners and the broader screen community,” Keely said.
More information about the organisation is available from Screen Producers Australia. For more industry news, visit TV Central’s Screen Producers Australia coverage.
