Corus Entertainment has announced restructuring of its Original Content leadership team, resulting in two internal promotions and the departure of three studio executives.

Starting Feb. 1, Rachel Nelson will assume the dual role of Vice President, Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios, while Mellany Welsh has been appointed Vice President and Head of Nelvana. 

Nelson, who formerly held the title of VP, Original Programming, will lead all commissions with the independent production community in her expanded role, and is tasked with building out Corus’ original drama, lifestyle, factual and reality slates. 

Welsh has held the title of VP, Global Consumer Projects and International Distribution, for the last six years. Her expanded role will encompass 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, Executive Vice President Networks and Content.

Those departing the company include Lisa Godfrey, Senior Vice President of Original Programming and Corus Studios, whose role will be eliminated as of Jan. 31. Godfrey has been with the company for 24 years, including serving as Head of Original Content for Shaw Communications.

Pam Westman will retire from her role as President of Nelvana as of Jan. 31. In the role for the last five years, Westman previously served as Head of Nelvana Enterprises from 2016-19.

Jeff Norton, Head of Waterside Studios, will also leave the company Feb. 29. Both Norton and Westman will continue in a consulting capacity to support the transition. 

“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, in a company announcement. “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.”  

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