Shaftesbury enhances its creative leadership with the hiring of Nataline Rodrigues and the promotion of Susan Alexander, marking a strategic shift in content development.
On September 8, 2026, Shaftesbury, the acclaimed Canadian production company behind Murdoch Mysteries, announced significant changes by hiring Nataline Rodrigues as Vice President of Creative Content and promoting Susan Alexander to the same role. Both executives will work together to elevate Shaftesbury's creative vision and operational capabilities, particularly in primetime programming.
Rodrigues comes to Shaftesbury with an impressive resume, having previously served as Director of Original Content at Rogers Sports & Media. At Rogers, she oversaw the development of popular shows such as Hudson & Rex and was instrumental in shaping original content across various networks, including Citytv and OMNI. In addition, Rodrigues is the founder of Grit & Grace Entertainment, bringing a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to her new position. Christina Jennings, Shaftesbury's Chairman and President, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "Nataline brings a rare combination of creative instinct and business savvy, and we are delighted to have her experience in our company."
In her new role, Nataline Rodrigues will primarily focus on expanding Shaftesbury’s comedy lineup and overseeing the creative direction of upcoming primetime projects. This strategic focus aims to elevate Shaftesbury’s appeal in a competitive television landscape, which increasingly demands diverse and innovative narratives. As Rodrigues steps into this pivotal role, her vision aligns with Shaftesbury’s long-standing commitment to high-quality storytelling and production. She plans to lead efforts in developing a variety of programming that resonates with both new and existing audiences.
Alongside Rodrigues’s appointment, Susan Alexander has been promoted from Senior Director to Vice President of Creative Content. Alexander’s extensive experience at Shaftesbury positions her well to collaborate with Rodrigues. Her promotion reflects Shaftesbury's strategy of nurturing internal talent while bringing in fresh perspectives from outside the organization, ensuring that the creative team is both experienced and innovative.
As one of Canada’s foremost independent production houses, Shaftesbury plays a crucial role in the Canadian television industry, with flagship programs like Murdoch Mysteries now in its twentieth season. The hiring of Rodrigues and the promotion of Alexander represent significant steps in expanding the company’s portfolio and emphasizing the creation of engaging content that resonates with a wide audience. With this new leadership structure, Shaftesbury is well-positioned to champion the next wave of Canadian entertainment.
The strategic hires at Shaftesbury signal a commitment to innovation and adaptability within the ever-changing Canadian television landscape. With Rodrigues focusing on the comedy genre and Alexander leading creative initiatives, Shaftesbury aims to enhance its storytelling capabilities and broaden its appeal. This development is poised to attract new audiences while continuing to engage existing fans, setting the stage for future successes in original content production. To further explore entertainment updates and industry changes, check out our articles on Stevie Wonder's 50th Anniversary Tour and *AMC's Settlement Over 'The Walking Dead'.
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