Wonya Lucas will step down as CEO and president of Hallmark Media at the end of the year.
The company said on Tuesday that Lucas will continue to serve on the board. Lucas reported to Mike Perry, president and CEO of Hallmark Companies, who will assume her responsibilities.
Lucas joined in 2020 — the height of the pandemic — to shake up the company and move the content business from its sole reliance on a cable model. She helped diversify Hallmark Media’s content and transformed its distribution strategy in an increasingly cord-cutting world.
“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 said in a press release.
Lucas expanded Hallmark content beyond cable, striking partnerships with the likes of Peacock and Hulu, and also making deals with increasingly popular free ad-supported services.
She previously worked at a number of big media companies, from TV One to Discovery, The Weather Channel and CNN.
The company said Lucas would work with Perry over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.
“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,” Perry said in the release.