Sphere Media Taps David Way as Unscripted Head, Promotes Beauchemin and Cousineau

Sphere Media has named David Way executive VP of English-language unscripted series, promoted Judith Beauchemin to COO and Elise Cousineau to executive VP content, English scripted, and seen Jennifer Kawaja step down as president of its English-language scripted division. The Hollywood Reporter reported the changes on November 13, 2026.

David Way Takes Sphere's Unscripted Reins

Way, based in Vancouver, will oversee the Toronto-based unscripted team, focusing on developing original series for Canadian and international partners. He most recently served as president and CEO of Great Pacific Media, where he oversaw around 20 original unscripted series.

Beauchemin was promoted to COO after overseeing the company's kids and family division. Cousineau, previously vp of development, will continue to work alongside vp of production Andrea Glinski. Kawaja will keep executive producing select projects for the company.

Brigitte Lemonde will serve as president and executive producer of Zone3 after that company's merger with Sphere, overseeing its production and development slate. Sphere, led by CEO, president and executive producer Bruno Dubé, has upcoming series including This Summer Will Be Different for Netflix and, for the CBC, the limited series Cold Country and the half hour comedy The Service.

Dubé said in a statement on Friday: "Sphere's success has always been driven by the strength of our people and the creative talent across our organization. We are delighted to welcome David to our English unscripted team, while expanding the responsibilities of leaders such as Judith and Elise who have played an important role in Sphere's growth."

Sphere's Netflix Order and Zone 3 Merger

According to akta.pro company records, Netflix commissioned a 10-episode adaptation of Carley Fortune's novel This Summer Will Be Different from Sphere Media in March 2026, filmed on Prince Edward Island and in Toronto. The same records show Sphere Media and Montreal-based producer Zone 3 announced their merger in November 2025, and that Bell Media acquired a minority stake in Sphere Media in 2023.

Unscripted Leadership Moves Across the Industry

Amazon MGM Studios said Jenny Groom would join as head of MGM Alternative on November 30, Yahoo reported on November 4, 2026. Paramount+ named Damla Dogan head of unscripted, Deadline reported on October 30, 2026. BBC Studios named Bree Frank SVP, Production, Yahoo reported on November 13, 2026.

Sphere Abacus and Bell Media Ties

Sphere Media holds a joint venture with Canada's Bell Media through co-ownership of Sphere Abacus, the international distribution arm led by Jonathan Ford.