Boat Rocker hired Mellany Welsh as SVP, Brand Partnerships & Content Marketing

Boat Rocker hired Mellany Welsh as Senior Vice President, Brand Partnerships & Content Marketing. Welsh will lead Boat Rocker’s brand strategy and partnerships, licensing, and content marketing initiatives across the company’s scripted, unscripted, and kids & family studio divisions. She will be responsible for managing the company’s extensive brand portfolio, while developing further partnership opportunities across all genres.

Welsh will be based in Boat Rocker’s Toronto office and report directly to Jon Rutherford, President, Global Rights, Franchise, and Content Strategy, Boat Rocker Studios. Welsh’s appointment is effective immediately. “We’re beyond excited to welcome Mellany to Boat Rocker,” said Rutherford. “She’s a strong, innovative leader with excellent industry relationships and a proven track record of success. We’re confident her deep expertise across all aspects of brand partnership management within a global studio will help further fuel our growth.”

"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Boat Rocker team,” said Welsh. “Their track record for innovation, creativity, and storytelling is unparalleled, and I am excited to contribute to such a dynamic, forward-thinking organization. I look forward to collaborating with this talented team to drive growth and explore new opportunities that will shape the future of the business."

With more than two decades of experience, Welsh joins Boat Rocker from Corus Entertainment, where she most recently served as Vice President and Head of Nelvana and Kids Can Press. In this capacity, Welsh oversaw the Nelvana Studio business, including global brand strategy, content distribution, digital initiatives, licensing, marketing and retail development for Nelvana’s extensive portfolio. Additionally, she led operations for Corus’ children’s publishing division, Kids Can Press. Before her leadership at Nelvana, Welsh held other senior roles in the kids & family entertainment industry. She served as Director of Global Business Development at ID Toys (Imports Dragon), managing licensing and new business development while acquiring top-tier licenses and diversifying product categories. As Director of Global Licensing at BroadbandTV, she developed an advanced licensing and consumer products division, spearheading strategic planning and execution.