Lionsgate has secured the services of vice-chairman Michael Burns (pictured) through October 2017.

The long-term agreement was announced Monday.

Burns became the company’s vice-chairman in 2000, after joining the Vancouver-based company’s board in 1999. He is credited with building the company into the global entertainment juggernaut over the years, in partnership with CEO Jon Feltheimer.

To whit, he helped orchestrate Lionsgate’s January 2012 acquisition of Summit Entertainment, arranged a new $800-million revolving credit facility and paid down the $500-million Summit term loan more than two years early.

“We’re delighted that Michael will continue to help guide Lionsgate’s growth through 2017,” said Feltheimer. “From serving as our public face on Wall Street to reducing our cost of capital to helping spearhead our transition to a digital world, Michael is the best partner I could ask for, and he works tirelessly to create long-term shareholder value.”

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