Veteran broadcasting executive Allan Schwebel has joined Toronto-based Stornoway Communications as the company’s new content distribution consultant.

In his new role with the broadcaster and producer, Schwebel will work as the primary liaison between Stornoway and its distribution partners when negotiating carriage agreements. He will also focus on bringing more subscribers to Stornoway.

Schwebel has been in the broadcast industry for over 20 years, with executive roles at CHUM Satellite Services Ltd and CHUM Television.

Since 2010, Schwebel has worked as a private consultant, providing content distribution, regulatory and sales support for a number of independent broadcasters, including BBC Kids, Knowledge Network, Hollywood Suite and Gusto TV.

Schwebel will focus on expanding distribution for The Pet Network, Don Gaudet, Stornoway’s VP programming, told Playback.

“It’s a channel we all feel has a lot of potential,” Gaudet said.

Stornoway’s other two networks are iChannel and bpm:tv.

The indie broadcaster also announced the hire of Gary Sappleton as its new director of marketing. Sappleton was previously senior director, marketing at GameTV, and also held the position of brand manager-dramatic networks for Shaw Media.

CORRECTION: This article previously omitted the “TV” from Gusto TV. Playback regrets the error