TORONTO — Fiscally challenged Canadian broadcast media licensee Corus Entertainment no longer has a co-CEO. It’s the latest headline-making move from the publicly traded company with shares under 10 cents, and long-term challenges it says are exacerbated by U.S.-based “big tech” and the nation’s regulatory scheme.
Troy Reeb is no longer a member of Corus’ management leadership team, as John Gossling will now serve as the company’s sole Chief Executive Officer. Formerly Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Gossling first joined Corus in 2016 and is described as “a highly talented executive with extensive experience in the media and communications industry.”
Gossling will continue to act as Chief Financial Officer on an interim basis.
Explaining Reeb’s depature, Mark Hollinger, Lead Independent Director and Co-Chair of the Human Resources and Governance Committee, said, “In light of the evolving industry landscape as well as the actions taken to date to stabilize the capital and debt structure of the Company, the Board has decided to transition back to a single CEO structure.” Hollinger spoke highly of Gossling, calling him “an exceptional leader” who has “the strategic experience and skills needed to guide Corus through change in an evolving industry.”
Reeb’s tenure at Corus extends more than 25 years, beginning at Canwest in the Global News division. Reeb said, “It has been an honour to work with the best brands and the best people in the business. I have full confidence that Corus has a bright future under the leadership of John and the talented management team.”
Corus executive board chairman Heather Shaw commented, “We thank Troy for his leadership in News and Audio and, in recent years, Sales, Programming and Content and wish him well in his next chapter.”
There are other executive leadership moves at Corus:
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Jennifer Abrams “will expand her mandate” and has been appointed Senior Vice President of Content and Marketing. “In addition to her current responsibilities overseeing all aspects of programming Global and Corus’ leading suite of premium specialty channels and streaming services, Abrams will oversee Marketing and Content creation activities at Corus,” the company said.
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Jennifer Lee will serve as Chief Legal Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary while continuing to oversee regulatory and public affairs at the company, a role she has held since she joined Corus in 2021.
Ward Smith, Senior Vice President of News and Audio, will continue to lead Global News and the Audio business. He now reports directly to Gossling. Barb McKergow, Senior Vice President of Advertising; Shawn Kelly, Executive Vice President of Technology; and Bianca Williamson, the company’s SVP of People and Culture will also all continue to serve on the Senior Leadership Team.
