Pier 21 Films is doubling down on its development strategy with a new hire and growing slate of comedy projects.

The Toronto-based prodco behind the satirical comedy The Beaverton has hired former CBC exec Karen Tsang (pictured) as VP of development and promoted Bill Lundy to SVP of development.

The duo, who will report to Pier 21 chief operating officer Nicole Butler, will “expand the company’s reach for developing new IP,” along with collaborating on the company’s existing development slate and growing the company’s network domestically and internationally.

Tsang leaves CBC after eight years working in scripted content, most recently as executive in charge of production, comedy, overseeing series such as Baroness Von Sketch Show, TallBoyz and Mr. D. Lundy was hired by Pier 21 in 2018 as VP of development, and was a production executive for comedy at Bell Media before that. His credits include The Beaverton and Letterkenny.

Pier 21 is currently in development on four half-hour comedies, with Emma Hunter (The Beaverton) attached to one project, and Andrew Phung (Kim’s Convenience) attached to another.

“Karen has an incredible passion for creator driven stories and amplifying new creative voices,” said Butler, in a statement. “Adding Karen’s vision to our team and promoting Bill, who has been the key driver in ramping up our development roster amid the COVID-19 pandemic, allows Pier 21 even more scope to support talent and champion exciting new projects.”