Corus Entertainment has restructured its content leadership team, with senior executive departures announced at Corus Studios, Nelvana and Waterside Studios.

Lisa Godfrey (pictured) will depart as SVP, original programming and head of Corus Studios as of Wednesday (Jan. 31), with VP, original programming Rachel Nelson taking over as head of Corus Studios.

Nelson is tasked with leading all commissions for Corus’ drama, lifestyle, factual and reality programs, as well as leading the growth of Corus Studios, according to a news release. Godfrey’s SVP role will be eliminated following her departure.

The company has also announced that Pam Westman is retiring from her role as president of Nelvana as of Wednesday, with head of Nelvana Enterprises Mellany Welsh stepping into the role of VP and head of Nelvana.

Welsh’s expanded role sees her oversee the studio’s animation and live action work, as well as its publishing company Kids Can Press, in addition to leading its licensing and merchandising business.

Rounding out the changes is the departure of Jeff Norton as head of Waterside Studios. Norton will depart on Feb. 29.

Both Westman and Norton will work in a consulting capacity with Corus for several months following their exits in order to support the transition, said the release. Additionally, Corus confirmed to Playback Daily that Norton will continue to work on the Waterside project Geek Girl, which went into production last year for YTV and Netflix. New projects under Waterside will either be developed through Corus Studios, Nelvana or Aircraft Pictures.

Godfrey has worked at Corus (including Shaw Media, Canwest and Alliance Atlantis) for more than 20 years, spearheading its original Canadian programming for channels such as Global, HGTV Canada, W Network, Slice, The Food Network Canada, and more.

“I want to thank Corus for an incredible run. I’m so lucky to have done what I love and what I do best; discover top notch talent, commission hits and build businesses that monetize content both domestically and internationally,” said Godfrey in a statement to Playback. “My time at Corus was truly the perfect fit for both my creative and business sides. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to the next chapter where I can continue to do what I love.”

Westman joined Corus in 2016 as head of Nelvana Enterprises, and previously held senior content roles at HIT Entertainment and Astral Media.

Norton launched Waterside Studios with Corus in 2022 to develop original IP with a focus on YA projects, optioning a number of book titles for its initial development slate.

“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 prioritizing the highest return on investment for our own networks as well as international sales,” said Troy Reeb, EVP, networks and content, in a statement. “Corus has fostered incredible, creative talent with a legacy of producing great Canadian shows, and I’m confident that legacy will continue to grow under the leadership of Rachel and Mellany.”

This announcement marks the latest move from Corus to reduce its operating costs. The broadcaster restructured its programming team last year, including the departures of original content executives Kathleen Meek and Maria Knight, and eliminated former executive Colin Bohm‘s title of EVP, content and strategy.

Photo courtesy of Corus Entertainment