Wonya Lucas Is Crowned CEO of the Hallmark Channel
Wonya Lucas is the new CEO and President of Crown Media Family Networks, a division of Hallmark Cards Inc.
Lucas will be taking the place of former CEO Bill Abbott who was let go back in January. During the holiday season, the cable network aired four same-sex couple commercials that were later removed under the supervision of Abbott. Apologies were made in response to the backlash received and Hallmark made the decision to bring in a new leader to take his place.
Lucas will begin her position on August 10 and work with Hallmark Cards CEO Mike Perry. She will be in charge of accelerating and expanding Hallmark’s TV brand, including the management of all three of its channels (Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama). Her responsibilities will also involve being head of its digital platforms and subscription streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now.
Many people are excited about the news and what the future holds for the Hallmark Channel. Cindy Busby, a popular face you see in many Hallmark movies, shared the news and welcomed Lucas with open arms. Check out her tweet below.
This is absolutely incredible news!!! CONGRATULATIONS 🥳 welcome to the @hallmarkchannel Family, Wonya Lucas! Looking forward to this incredible new chapter with you! #wonyalucas #HallmarkChannel #hallmarkfamily #yay #CEO https://t.co/3as7AwTvNz
— Cindy Busby (@cindy_busby) July 23, 2020
The network also received some backlash last year for not including enough diversity throughout its channels. While the first 18 of its 40 planned holiday movies have already been set for release this season, Lucas will be able to make meaningful change to help better the channel through the other 22 projects.
Actress Rukiya Bernard shared her enthusiasm for the news on Twitter. Read her post below.
A much needed and warm welcome to Ms Wonya Lucas: new CEO of #CrownMedia @Hallmark . Reading about her work history, accomplishments and excitement for her new job, I look forward to seeing what #diverse and #inclusive shifts are made on #HallmarkChannel ‘s various platforms. https://t.co/71vqjhvlop
— Rukiya Bernard (@RukiyaBernard) July 23, 2020
The hiring of Lucas as the new CEO and President of the Hallmark Channel is a huge change for the company. Here’s to the hopes of a brighter future for Hallmark.
Hi! I am Hannah Forton pursuing a double major in Communications and Music Industry. I love traveling, sports, cooking, music, Broadway, movies, DIY, make-up, clothes, and tutorials. Some of my favorite work experiences includes an internship at a recording studio and working at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Helping and educating others is important to me, and I’ve enjoyed being able to do so through volunteering for numerous non-profits since middle school. I like the big city vibes, but small towns will always hold a special place in my heart. Living near Detroit allows me to achieve the best of both worlds.
