Sheehan began a three-year term at the SAFC in February 2015 after more than 25 years working in the screen industry.

In announcing her impending departure today, the corporation said that during her tenure the SAFC had secured or supported more than 30 productions to shoot in the state.

They include Hotel Mumbai, Storm Boy, Wolf Creek series 1 and 2, Cargo and Sweet Country, with the latter both having their Australian premiere last weekend during the Adelaide Film Festival.

“Annabelle is highly regarded internationally, and through her connections and reputation played a pivotal role in securing the re-make of Storm Boy and the NETFLIX Original series Pine Gap,” Premier and Minister for the Arts Jay Weatherill said.

Last year, the SAFC also introduced an Aboriginal Screen Strategy and Gender Agenda, both of which aim to increase diversity within the industry and on screen.

SAFC chair John Hill paid tribute to Sheehan’s contribution, saying she had put in place a series of programs and initiatives that would continue to see the SA screen industry grow and “ensure international recognition of South Australian stories”.

The corporation will begin the recruitment process for a new CEO in the coming weeks.