Ottawa, Canada-based animation studio Mercury Filmworks is making moves to build up its original content team, appointing Heath Kenny as chief content officer. Kenny will work in collaboration with chief creative officer Jerry Popowich, director of development Travis Williams and original series and co-productions VP Chantal Ling to identify and develop original properties, secure financing and greenlight productions.

With new leadership at the helm, Mercury’s original content team plans to announce several development projects later in the next month or so.

Kenny has spent the past decade working in France (where he will remain stationed), most recently as a creative executive and independent producer for his own company, You and Eye Creative. Prior to going solo in 2016, he served as VP of creative and executive producer at Gaumont Animation.

Mercury has been in expansion mode for a couple of years now, partnering with Ireland’s Cartoon Saloon in 2017 to launch Lighthouse Studios, a joint-venture prodco specializing in 2D-animated kids content. Lighthouse just tapped creative executive Claire Finn as its new managing director last week.