Hasbro has elected the current vice chairman of Lionsgate, Michael Burns, as an independent director to its board of directors.

"Michael's financial acumen and extensive operational experience in developing and distributing award-winning original content make him an excellent addition to Hasbro's board of directors," says Alfred J. Verrecchia, chairman Hasbro. "We welcome him to the board and look forward to working with him as we execute our content-led branded play strategy and explore new opportunities to deliver content directly to consumers."

Since joining Lionsgate in 2000, Mr. Burns has been instrumental in building the company into a multi-billion dollar global content leader with a major presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, channel platforms and digital distribution. Burns has been a member of the Lionsgate board of directors since 1999.

Prior to joining Lionsgate, Burns served for nine years as managing director and head of Prudential Securities' Los Angeles investment banking office.