Jennifer Lee has been appointed as the chief administrative officer and chief legal officer at Corus Entertainment, with oversight of legal, regulatory, human resources, communications, and other corporate functions.
Lee previously held the role of executive vice-president and general counsel at the Toronto-based media and content company.
The changes come as part of a shakeup at the company, which has struggled in recent months and seen its stock price plunge more than 80 per cent so far this year, sitting at 14 cents a share as of this morning on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
That includes the retirement of Doug Murphy as president and CEO of Corus after more than 30 years in broadcasting and media, including 21 years at the company.
He first joined Corus in 2003 as EVP, business development and held successively more senior positions until 2015 when he was appointed president and CEO. During his tenure, Murphy oversaw the transformation of Corus’ television portfolio and its expansion in digital media with the launch of STACKTV in 2019, the Global TV App and Pluto TV, among others.
“Under Doug’s leadership, Corus has created a diversified portfolio of powerful brands encompassing television, radio and content assets,” said Heather Shaw, executive chair. “Doug’s passion for bringing content to Canadians, including fair and balanced news, is renowned. On behalf of the Board, I thank Doug for his many years of commitment and leadership at Corus and wish him well on his new chapter.”
The Board has named Troy Reeb and John Gossling as co-CEOs. “These appointments are effective immediately and reflect the strength of Corus’ leadership bench and a forward focus on managing through a challenging environment. Mr. Gossling will also continue in his role as Chief Financial Officer,” the company said in a press release.
“Succession planning is an integral part of our operations. Troy and John are seasoned senior broadcast and media executives who each have exceptional experience, a strategic mindset and deep understanding of the industry,” said Shaw. “The Board and I are extremely confident in their ability to guide Corus through the evolving regulatory and competitive landscape, and make smart, strategic choices that best position the Company for the future.”
Greg McLelland, executive vice-president and chief revenue officer and Shawn Kelly, executive vice-president, technology continue to serve on the executive leadership team.
The company’s portfolio of multimedia offerings encompass 33 specialty television services, 39 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, digital and streaming platforms, and technology and media services.
Corus’ roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Magnolia Network Canada, The HISTORY® Channel, Showcase, Adult Swim, National Geographic, Disney Channel Canada, YTV, Global News, Globalnews.ca, Q107, Country 105, and CFOX, along with streaming platforms STACKTV, TELETOON+, the Global TV App and Curiouscast.
