CORUS ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO CONTENT LEADERSHIP TEAM
January 29, 2024
Rachel Nelson Appointed VP Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios
Mellany Welsh Appointed VP and Head of Nelvana
For Immediate Release
TORONTO, January 29, 2024 – Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) announced today plans to restructure its Original Content leadership team.
Changes include two new appointments effective February 1, 2024 reporting directly to Troy Reeb, Executive Vice President Networks and Content:
- Rachel Nelson appointed as Vice President Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios
- Mellany Welsh appointed as Vice President and Head of Nelvana
Nelson has a long track record of overseeing development and production of both scripted and unscripted programming for Corus. In this new role, Nelson 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 brings years of experience in leading Nelvana’s licensing and merchandising business, partnering with major children’s brands to bring popular characters to the screen and maximize related revenues. In the 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 Troy Reeb, Executive Vice President, Networks and Content.
“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”
With the changes announced today, Lisa Godfrey, Senior Vice President of Original Programming and Corus Studios, will be stepping down from the role as of January 31st. During her 24-year tenure with the company, Godfrey spearheaded Canadian originals and helped successfully 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 31st. During her five years as President, Westman was instrumental in expanding the 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 29th. Corus will engage both Westman and Norton in a consulting capacity for several months following their departure to support the transition.
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About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) is a leading media and content company that develops and delivers high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world. Engaging audiences since 1999, the company’s portfolio of multimedia offerings encompass 33 specialty television services, 39 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, digital and streaming platforms, and technology and media services. Corus is an internationally-renowned content creator and distributor through Nelvana, a world class animation studio expert in all formats and Corus Studios, a globally recognized producer of hit scripted and unscripted content. The company also owns full-service social digital agency so.da, lifestyle entertainment company Kin Canada, and children’s book publishing house, Kids Can Press. Corus’ roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Magnolia Network Canada, The HISTORY® Channel, Showcase, Adult Swim, National Geographic, Disney Channel Canada, YTV, Global News, Globalnews.ca, Q107, Country 105, and CFOX, along with streaming platforms STACKTV, TELETOON+, the Global TV App and Curiouscast. Corus is the domestic advertising representative and an original content partner for Pluto TV, a Paramount Company, which is the leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service. For more information visit www.corusent.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Melissa Eckersley
Director, Corporate Communications
Corus Entertainment Inc.
melissa.eckersley@corusent.com
