Tony Cianciotta has joined Maple Pictures, coming on board as senior consultant for the Toronto distributor.

‘His exceptional skills and reputation within the international community will provide Maple access to some of the world’s most respected and critically acclaimed filmmakers,’ said Maple co-president Jim Sherry in a statement.

Cianciotta was atop Maximum Film Distribution for a short while until early last year, and previously held high positions at Cineplex Odeon, Alliance Releasing and the Canadian wing of 20th Century Fox. His appointment follows news earlier this week that Maple has also hired Susan Smythe-Bishop, who will share the VP of publicity and promotions spot with longtimer Angie Burns.

Upcoming Maple releases include the romantic comedy New in Town, starring Renée Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr.; the Cannes and TIFF hit Hunger and the latest from Woody Allen, Whatever Works.