Emil Rayner, CEO, 3MBS
EP Australia congratulates Emily Rayner on her appointment as CEO of 3MBS Melbourne 103.5FM
We’re delighted to share that Emily Rayner has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of 3MBS Melbourne 103.5FM, and we’re proud to have supported the search as executive search partner.
Emily will step into the role in February 2027, following Gail Southwell’s departure after nine years leading the station. She brings more than 20 years of experience across Australian and international broadcasting, spanning content strategy, audience engagement, journalism and digital transformation. Her career includes producing and presenting national news segments for 7NEWS and the ABC, and working with Nova, Southern Cross Austereo, the BBC and ITV. She is currently Chief of Staff at ABC Melbourne, where she pairs that broadcasting background with a strong grounding in governance and compliance.
She joins 3MBS at a good moment, following the station’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025. As Melbourne’s only community radio station dedicated to classical music and jazz, 3MBS holds a distinctive place in the city’s cultural life, supported by a community of volunteers, musicians and listeners.
Emily’s view of where the station can go is clear. “It’s people, not algorithms, who will power and guide the discovery of classical music and jazz for a new generation of music lovers,” she said.
3MBS Chair Opal Ackland said the Board is confident Emily will lead with empathy, authenticity and respect for the station’s history, building on the foundations Gail Southwell established.
Leadership appointments like this one shape the cultural organisations audiences love. We’re grateful to the 3MBS Board for their trust, and we congratulate Emily on a well-earned appointment.
EP Australia specialises in executive recruitment across the screen, media and creative industries. If your organisation is planning a leadership hire, get in touch.
