Vancouver-based mini-studio Lionsgate has announced that Wayne Levin, the company’s general counsel and chief strategic officer, has locked in a new long-term contract.

Levin has been with the company for 17 years. He will continue to report to CEO Jon Feltheimer on corporate management and strategic issues while also working closely with vice-chairman Michael Burns and co-COO Brian Goldsmith on mergers and acquisitions and financing.

Levin joined Lionsgate when the company acquired Trimark Holdings in October 2000. He’s had a hand in numerous deals over the years, including acquisitions and subsequent integration of Summit Entertainment, Mandate Pictures, Debmar-Mercury, and Redbus Holdings (now Lionsgate U.K.) among others.