Tom Hastings has been appointed as production executive, independent production, drama at Bell Media, it was announced Tuesday.

The move follows Hastings’ departure from the CBC in July as creative head of drama, following the pubcaster’s merger of its comedy and drama departments in the wake of recent budget cuts.

Hastings will work on the development and production of drama series and movies for Bell Media’s conventional and specialty channels, reporting to the director of independent production, drama, Trish Williams.

Previous to the CBC, he worked as a production executive at Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc.

Hastings’ appointment is effective immediately.