After three years on the helm, Hallmark Media President & CEO Wonya Lucas will exit her present function on the finish of 12 months, the corporate introduced Tuesday. Lucas will proceed to serve on the Hallmark Media Board of Administrators.
Lucas, who was named to the put up in July 2020, succeeded earlier CEO Invoice Abbott, who stepped down in January of that 12 months following Hallmark Channel’s controversial dealing with of an advert that includes a same-sex couple kissing. It capped longtime criticism over Hallmark motion pictures’ lack of range.
Growing illustration was one in all Lucas’ priorities throughout her tenure, and she or he is credited with constructing a extra strong basis for the enterprise by means of broadened storytelling with extra numerous and inclusive storylines and characters.
In the meantime, Abbott went on to launch a rival community in GAC Household, now Nice American Household, owned by Nice American Media, poaching a few of Hallmark’s largest stars to compete for feminine audiences and advert {dollars}.
“I am honored to have led this company and am tremendously proud of the progress we’ve made by creating an evolved entertainment experience that inspires meaningful, emotionally connected moments for our audiences,” Lucas mentioned. “My passion for the Hallmark brand has grown in deeply rewarding ways and will remain paramount as I continue to help guide Hallmark Media’s future in a more strategically focused capacity.”
Along with his company function, which incorporates oversight of Hallmark Media, Hallmark World, and Crayola, Mike Perry, President & CEO of Hallmark Firms, will work carefully with Lucas and the Hallmark Media government management crew to steer the day-to-day operations of the media enterprise and full the method of Lucas’ transition.
In her time main the corporate, Lucas and her management crew cast new partnerships with Peacock, YouTube and Hulu, in addition to quite a few FAST/AVOD platforms. She launched applications in help of girls creatives with the Make Her Mark Girls’s Directing Program. And most significantly, the muse Lucas constructed straight aligns with the aspirations and values of the Hallmark model.
“Wonya is a multi-faceted industry veteran, passionate brand builder, and consummate strategic leader,” mentioned Perry. “I’m grateful for the important work she has done to bring the expansive foundation of the iconic Hallmark brand to life and am fortunate that her insights will continue to positively impact the future of the business.”
