Vancouver-based Thunderbird Films has appointed Canadian media executive Ivan Fecan as consultant and chairman of their board.

Industry veteran Fecan is the former president and CEO of Baton Broadcasting and its successor CTVglobemedia. He built CTV into a top-performing, cross-Canada network, launching sports and entertainment specialties including TSN and Discovery, and folding more dollars MuchMusic and Space.

Fecan also previously helmed English TV at CBC and was VP creative affairs at NBC.

“With the proliferation of multiple screens, creating compelling content is today’s big opportunity. Thunderbird is extremely well-positioned to grow with the leadership of Tim Gamble, the backing of Frank Giustra, Francesco Aquilini  (Aquilini Investment Group), Difference Capital, amongst others and the partnership with Lionsgate,” said Fecan in a statement.

Thunderbird last March announced Sea to Sky Studios, a joint 50-50 venture with Lionsgate Entertainment to develop and produce TV shows for international broadcast and cable networks.

The venture already has deals in place for a TV series based on Dennis Lehane’s novel Gone Baby Gone, and for a limited TV series based on the book An Uncommon Youth.

“Fecan’s experience, reputation, industry expertise along with his guidance and strategic advice will help bring this company to the next level,” said Frank Guistra, Lionsgate Entertainment founder and major Thunderbird shareholder, in a statement.

“Ivan Fecan is an iconic Canadian media executive and a visionary thinker like Frank. His appointment to be chairman of Thunderbird underscores the blue chip quality of the team they have built and further enhances the stature of our Sea to Sky partnership,” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer in his own statement.

Sea to Sky in February announced that they would open a Toronto office, headed up by ex-CTV head of development Brett Burlock.

Image credit: Nigel Dickson