DHX begins new CEO search

Michael Donovan

Canada-based kids’ content company DHX Media has begun searching for a new CEO, with current boss Michael Donovan set to become executive chair.

Donovan returned to the CEO role at DHX last year, having previously held the position at the Halifax-based company between 2006 and 2014.

During Donovan’s second stint in the role, DHX concluded a strategic review, resulting in staff cuts, the reduction of its development slate, a focus on premium originals and greater investment in shortform for its YouTube business WildBrain.

Since then it has sold its Halifax animation studio as part of its ongoing effort to reduce overheads, named veteran entertainment industry executive Eric Ellenbogen as a senior advisor and announced its own subscription VoD service in the US.

“When I stepped back into the role of CEO a year ago I had several priorities. These included: building our premium content strategy; repositioning our assets to align with current market opportunities; expanding WildBrain, our industry-leading children’s AVoD network; reducing debt; and finding my successor,” said Donovan.

“We have made significant progress on all these fronts. Once the new CEO is appointed I look forward to continuing as executive chair,” added the exec.

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.