after 18 months as coo and president of Atlantis Communications, Kevin Shea is stepping down later this month. The founder and former president of ytv is headed for a position as president of the Global Television network in Ontario and head of CanWest Global System operations in eastern Canada.

Atlantis ceo Michael MacMillan, who will be assuming Shea’s responsibilities, says he is sorry to see him go, but he understands that ‘Kevin wanted to go back to his roots in broadcasting.’

MacMillan says he is pleased with Atlantis’ 15-year relationship with CanWest and is happy to see Shea move there. The Toronto-based company will not be seeking a replacement for Shea. Instead, MacMillan says, ‘I will be getting my old job back.’ MacMillan was ceo and president of the company from its inception in 1978 until Shea was hired in January 1994.

During Shea’s time with Atlantis, the production and distribution company invested in a 28% stake in ytv.

At press time, Shea was on vacation and could not be reached for comment. PC