Donovan returns as DHX CEO

Canadian children’s content giant DHX Media has appointed a new CEO to take over from Dana Landry, who is stepping down from the role to pursue other projects.

Michael Donovan

Michael Donovan, DHX’s executive chair, is returning to the role of CEO at the Halifax-based company having previously held the position between 2006 and 2014.

Landry, who succeeded Donovan as CEO in 2014 having previously served as chief financial officer (CFO), is also stepping down from DHX’s board of directors.

“Dana has been with us from the beginning, from start-up to global media company, and we thank him for his significant contributions to our growth. We wish him well with his future projects,” said Donovan.

Meanwhile, Doug Lamb has been appointed CFO at DHX. Lamb succeeds former CFO Keith Abriel, who DHX said will be leaving the company after a short transition. Lamb is the former executive VP and CFO at Canadian media firm Postmedia.

DHX was formed in 2006 through the merger of Decode Entertainment and Halifax Film Company and since then has grown to become one of the world’s largest producers and distributors of children’s shows.

It owns properties including Peanuts, Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Caillou, Inspector Gadget and Degrassi, as well as three Canadian kids’ TV channels and YouTube channel operator WildBrain.

The firm last year initiated a strategic review as it considered the sale of part or all of the company, a sale of some of its assets or a merger with another party.