EBU names Vanessa O’Connor as member relations chief

European public broadcasters organization the EBU has named former Eutelsat corporate communications director Vanessa O’Connor as director of member relations and communication.

Vanessa O’Connor

O’Connor headed Eutelsat’s communications activity for close to three decades, playing a key role in the satellite operator’s development from ntergovernmental organisation into a private company and the expansion of Eutelsat’s global activities across video, telecommunications and broadband markets.

Prior to joining Eutelsat in 1988, O’Connor was editor-in-chief of Digital TV Europe, then called Cable and Satellite Europe.

In her new role, she will be responsible for strengthening the EBU’s relations with Members and developing a long-term communications strategy for the organization and for public service media.

EBU director general Noel Curran said: “Vanessa is going to be a real asset to the management team here at the EBU. We are a Member-led organisation and we need to ensure we are meeting the needs of all our members, large or small, and communicating better about the range of services we provide. Vanessa brings with her a wealth of experience in corporate communications and we are looking forward to working with her to improve our engagement with all our stakeholders.”

O’Connor said: “I’m delighted to be joining the EBU and to have the opportunity to work for an organisation and a community of members that set the benchmark for excellence and vision in the media industry. The EBU’s exceptional range of activities reflects a commitment to maintaining public service media relevant and at the top of its game. I look forward to being part of this effort and to working with the talent at the EBU to meet the diverse needs of members as they evolve and grow in fast-moving and challenging environments.”