M ontreal-based TVA Group has announced that Martin Carrier will  step down from his position as president of subsidiary MELS next week after three years to “pursue new challenges.”

Carrier (pictured) will depart the studio owner and post-production company on March 24, with management set to establish a leadership transition plan in the coming weeks, according to a news release.

In the meantime, MELS’ existing team “will ensure business continuity” in all areas of the business, said the release.

The team includes Frédéric Boucher, VP, equipment rental operations overseeing equipment rental; senior director of operations Julie Brabant on production mobiles and generators; Geneviève Brodeur, VP, studios and business development for soundstages; Richard Cormier, VP, digital creative services for virtual production and advertising; and Marie-Christine Jean, VP, post-production and business development for post-production.

Montreal-based Carrier joined MELS in 2020 as SVP, business development before replacing then-president Michel Trudel at the end of his contract at the start of 2021. He was previously president and CEO of video game developer Frima. His other past roles include VP and studio head at WB Games Montreal.

In a statement, Quebecor president and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau thanked Carrier for his contributions to the company, including developing MELS’ business and extending its reach as well as launching a virtual production platform during the pandemic.

“During my tenure, I have had the opportunity to take on major challenges with highly skilled professionals, to get through a pandemic and to make a major technological shift towards virtual production,” said Carrier, noting he believes that MELS is “on the right track” and has “full confidence”  in the management team he leaves behind.

Carrier’s departure comes on the heels of TVA Group announcing layoffs last month following disappointing Q4 earnings.

Photo courtesy of TVA Group