Vancouver-based Thunderbird Entertainment Group has promoted Lori Massini (pictured) to general counsel.

Formerly SVP of legal and business affairs, Massini takes over from Sarah Nathanson, who has resigned from her role as general counsel, corporate secretary and chief operating officer effective April 9, according to a news release.

In her new role, Massini will work with the executive team to offer advice to business units across the company, while also continuing to oversee Thunderbird’s legal and business affairs team. Massini has experience structuring and financing international coproductions, co-ventures, Canadian content and service shows.

Massini first joined Thunderbird in 2021 as VP of legal and business affairs, having spent more than a decade practicing entertainment law for Canadian and American producers and studios.

She has served as counsel for clients such as Nickelodeon, Disney, the Food Network and Discovery, as well as for actors, directors, producers and crew, managing employment and labour issues, advising on corporate legal matters and overseeing complex financing arrangements.

Nathanson joined Thunderbird in 2018 as VP of legal and business and was promoted to her most recent role in 2021.

“Lori has proven to be an invaluable asset to our legal team during her time at Thunderbird. We are thrilled that Lori is stepping into this well-deserved key role, where she will employ her admirable legal judgment and acumen to help guide the company in this wider capacity,” said CEO and chair Jennifer Twiner McCarron in a statement. “We are very grateful to Sarah for her time at the company and the crucial role she has played in Thunderbird’s growth over the past five years.”

Image courtesy of Thunderbird Entertainment Group