DHX boss to exit as senior team sees reshuffle

DHX Media is set to reshuffle its senior team after its co-founder, president and COO, Steven DeNure has announced his departure, which will take place over the next month.

In the move, Aaron Ames has been appointed chief operating officer, Josh Scherba has been promoted to president and Anne Loi has been upped to the new role of chief commercial officer.

Ames will be responsible for the company’s overall operations and will oversee its broadcast channels, DHX Television and its licensing agency CPLG. Scherba will oversee the company’s content business, including development, production and distribution, as well as its YouTube-based kids’ network WildBrain.

Loi will oversee key external partnerships, content production and financing, and business analytics.

“These changes are part of our succession plan,” said DeNure. “I have been working with Josh and Anne for the past 18 years, and I know they will excel in these well-deserved new roles. Aaron is a great and familiar addition to the DHX Media team.”

Michael Donovan, executive chairman and CEO of DHX Media, said: “After an exceptional 35-year career, Steven has decided that it’s time to enjoy his successes. We are grateful for his contribution to DHX Media and we wish him well in the future.”

“We have added operational depth to our senior team with the appointment of Aaron, and aligned key content and distribution responsibilities under Josh and Anne to leverage and focus their strengths.

“Aaron has a long history with DHX Media, having served for a period as chief integration officer following our acquisition of Cookie Jar Entertainment, where he was CFO. His proficiency and discipline in operational and finance matters have become evident through his subsequent work with us on many projects as a consultant.

“These skills are the ideal complements to Josh and Anne’s deep experience and expertise in our content business. I look forward to working with all three, along with the rest of the senior management team, as we embark on the next chapter in DHX Media’s story.”

This February, Donovan took up the role of CEO after the exit of Dana Landry. The recent team changes arrive as DHX continues to go through a strategic review, where the company is considering whether to sell part or all of the company or merge with other businesses.