Original Programming and Corus Studios VP Lisa Godfrey, Nelvana president Pam Westman, and head of Waterside Studios Jeff Norton exit the company as Rachel Nelson and Mellany Welsh are appointed to key leadership roles.
Corus Entertainment has restructured its original content leadership team with two new appointments effective February 1. Rachel Nelson has been named vice president Original Programming and head of Corus Studios, and Mellany Welsh has been appointed vice president and head of Nelvana. Both will report directly to Corus executive vice president Networks and Content, Troy Reeb.
Nelson has a history of overseeing the development and production of scripted and unscripted programming for Corus. In her new role, she will lead all commissions with the independent production community and work to build out Corus’ slate of original drama, lifestyle, factual, and reality programs. She will also oversee the continued growth of Corus Studios.
Welsh is a long-time leader in Nelvana’s licensing and merchandising business, having partnered with major children’s brands to bring popular characters to the screen and maximize related revenues. In her expanded role, Welsh will now oversee all aspects of Corus’ children’s animation and live-action studio, including book publisher Kids Can Press.
“Amid ongoing changes in the competitive landscape for Canadian programming and building upon many successful years of growing our slate of Corus Original content, the changes announced today support our focus on prioritizing the highest return on investment for our own networks as well as international sales,” said Reeb. “Corus has fostered incredible, creative talent with a legacy of producing great Canadian shows, and I’m confident that legacy will continue to grow under the leadership of Rachel and Mellany.”
Following Monday’s announcement, Lisa Godfrey, senior vice president of Original Programming and Corus Studios, will be stepping down from the role as of January 31. During her 24-year tenure with the company, Godfrey spearheaded Canadian originals and helped grow the Corus Studios distribution business. Following her departure, the role will be eliminated.
Pam Westman will be retiring from her role as president of Nelvana as of January 31. During her five years as president, Westman has been key to expanding global licensing and sales of Nelvana’s portfolio and striking major partnerships with international children’s brands.
Jeff Norton, head of Waterside Studios, will also be leaving the company as of February 29. Corus will engage both Westman and Norton in a consulting capacity for several months following their departure to support the transition.
Source: Corus
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
