• by Fern Siegel , September 20, 2013

Lionsgate has a new CFO. James Barge has been named to the post held by James Keegan, who is retiring in October. Barge reports to CEO Jon Feltheimer.

Previously, Barge served as executive vice president and CFO of Viacom Inc. from 2010-2012 and executive vice president, controller, tax and treasury, from 2008-2010. He also logged 13 years at Time Warner. Feltheimer stated that Barge has expertise "guiding the financial operations and strategies of leading major entertainment companies," calling him a "valuable" addition to management. 

Lionsgate, which has both movie and television units, reported its best financial results to date in the fiscal year ending March 31. It currently has 30 television shows on 20 different networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses.

In 2012, Lionsgate announced a new five-year, $800 million revolving credit facility with a JPMorgan-led syndicate of banks.

Keegan, who will remain as a company consultant until January, had previously served as CFO of Lionsgate predecessor companies Artisan Entertainment and Trimark Pictures and is a 25-year entertainment industry vet.