Senior Corus execs Lisa Godfrey, Pam Westman & Jeff Norton exit in leadership restructure

L-R: Lisa Godfrey, Pam Westman & Jeff Norton

Canadian broadcasting group Corus Entertainment is restructuring its original content leadership ranks, with several senior exits, including SVP of original programming and Corus Studios Lisa Godfrey, Nelvana president Pam Westman and Waterside Studios chief Jeff Norton.

As a result, Rachel Nelson has been promoted to VP of original programming and head of Corus Studios, while Mellany Welsh has been named as VP and head of Nelvana.

Rachel Nelson

The restructure was announced on Monday by Troy Reeb, EVP of networks and content at Corus, to whom both Nelson and Welsh will report.

In her new role, Nelson will lead all indie commissions 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’s expanded role, meanwhile, will see her take responsibility for 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 prioritising the highest return on investment for our own networks as well as international sales,” said Reeb.

Mellany Welsh

Veteran departures

Godfrey will exit tomorrow after 24 years with the company, during which time she spearheaded Canadian originals and worked to grow the Corus Studios distribution business. Following her departure, the role will be eliminated.

Westman will also exit tomorrow after five years in the role as president of animation studio Nelvana, having played a key role in expanding global licensing and sales and striking major partnerships with international children’s brands.

Writing on social media, Westman said: “It has been a true honour and privilege to hold the position of president of Nelvana and lead the extraordinarily creative teams within Nelvana and Kids Can Press.

“I am now looking forward to starting a new phase of my career, giving myself the gift of time. Time to spend on projects that evoke joy and passion and allow me to focus on mentoring, advising and consulting (more to come later). Time to spend with family and time to spend on anything else that comes my way!”

Norton, meanwhile, will depart the company on 29 February. The Dominion of Drama founder joined Corus in September 2022 to head up Waterside, which is an IP and production venture focused on bringing premium scripted Canadian content for youth and primetime audiences to the Canadian and international marketplace.

Both Westman and Norton will serve in a consulting capacity for several months following their departure to support the transition.