Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have lost another senior member of their production team after Chanel Pysnik stepped down from her position as head of non-fiction, film and television at Archewell Productions.
Pysnik, who joined the couple’s California-based production company in May 2021, had worked with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for nearly six years.
Her departure makes her at least the 24th employee to leave their organisation since their marriage in May 2018, and the 16th since their departure from royal duties in 2020.
Executive Worked on Major Sussex Productions
Before joining Archewell, Pysnik held senior positions at CNN and Disney+.
She was recruited less than a year after Harry and Meghan signed their first $100 million Netflix agreement in September 2020.
During her time at the company, she served as an executive producer on several projects, including the couple’s 2022 documentary series Harry & Meghan and the lifestyle and cookery programme With Love, Meghan.
Her other production credits included Cookie Queens, Heart of Invictus, Polo, Live to Lead and Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within.
A Princeton University graduate, Pysnik previously worked as director of development for CNN Original Series and director of international content at Disney+.
Her LinkedIn profile describes her as an experienced non-fiction content executive with a background in developing creative strategies for global media companies.
Sussexes Release Joint Statement on Her Departure
Harry and Meghan confirmed Pysnik’s departure in a joint statement to Hollywood publication Deadline, praising her contribution to the development of Archewell Productions.
“Chanel was one of our very first hires at Archewell Productions and spearheaded the strategic framework for our unscripted endeavours,” the couple said.
They added that she brought professional expertise and personal commitment to the company’s storytelling projects.
“Many successful productions later, her impact and legacy at Archewell is to be celebrated.
We are both championing her as she embarks on this next chapter.”
Pysnik also issued a statement reflecting on her time working with the couple, describing the experience as an honour.
She said the company had produced projects that achieved record-breaking results, received awards and featured at prestigious film festivals, while reaching international audiences and contributing to cultural discussions.
She added that she was proud of the company’s creative and commercial achievements and thanked Harry and Meghan for trusting her to lead its production activities during an important period.
Departure Follows Earlier Reports About Her Future
Pysnik’s exit comes months after reports emerged that she was exploring opportunities outside Archewell Productions.
At the Sundance Film Festival in January, where Meghan launched Cookie Queens, reports suggested that the executive had been making enquiries about other employment opportunities.
However, sources close to Harry and Meghan subsequently denied to the Daily Mail’s Alison Boshoff that Pysnik was planning to leave the company.
Her replacement has not yet been announced.
Archewell Continues Under Revised Netflix Agreement
Archewell Productions remains operational despite the couple’s relocation to Britain.
Its arrangement with Netflix has since changed from the original lucrative agreement to a reduced first-look deal signed last year.
Meanwhile, Meghan is preparing for another television project in Australia, where she is expected to co-host Junior MasterChef.
She is likely to remain in Australia throughout filming, which is expected to take place between early and mid-2027.
Harry and Meghan Return to Britain With Their Children
The departure comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue their activities following their return to Britain in August with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The couple stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020 before relocating to the United States.
