Rachel Nelson and Mellany Welsh promoted; Lisa Godfrey, Pam Westman and Jeff Norton departing
Corus Entertainment on Monday announced the restructuring of its Original Content leadership team, which sees Rachel Nelson appointed as vice president of original programming and head of Corus Studios and Mellany Welsh appointed as vice-president and head of Nelvana, effective Feb. 1.
Nelson previously held the position of vice-president of original programming at Corus. In her new expanded 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,” a Corus press release says, adding Nelson will also oversee the continued growth of Corus Studios.
Welsh is currently vice-president of global consumer products and international distribution at Corus. In her new role as head of Nelvana, Welsh will oversee all aspects of Corus’ children’s animation and live-action studio, including book publisher Kids Can Press.
Nelson and Welsh will report directly to Troy Reeb, Corus’ executive vice-president of networks and content.
“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,” Reeb said in the press release.
“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,” Reeb added.
With these changes, Lisa Godfrey, currently senior vice-president of original programming and Corus Studios, will be stepping down from that role as of Jan. 31. Following her departure, the role will be eliminated, the release says.
“During her 24-year tenure with the company, Godfrey spearheaded Canadian originals and helped successfully grow the Corus Studios distribution business,” the release says.
Also departing Corus is Pam Westman, who is retiring from her position as president of Nelvana as of Jan. 31. During her five years in that role, “Westman was instrumental in expanding the global licensing and sales of Nelvana’s portfolio and striking major partnerships with international children’s brands,” the release says.
Jeff Norton, head of Waterside Studios, will also be leaving Corus as of Feb. 29.
“Corus will engage both Westman and Norton in a consulting capacity for several months following their departure to support the transition,” the release says.
Photos of (l-r) Rachel Nelson and Mellany Welsh.
