The former CAA agent is named co-president and COO of the financier-producer as founder Teddy Schwarzman prepares to move to LA to launch the West Coast hub.

Until now Steinman has served for years as a senior member of CAA’s Film Finance Group and worked with Black Bear on negotiating the US deal with The Weinstein Company on The Imitation Game.

He also helped Schwarzman (pictured) expand Black Bear beyond single-picture production and advised on the creation of Canadian distributor Elevation Pictures led by Laurie May.

Steinman joins Black Bear’s Ben Stillman, who is promoted from vice-president to senior vice-president. Prior to CAA Steinman served as partner at Sloss Law Office.

Black Bear Pictures’ credits include All Is Lost, A.C.O.D. and Broken City. Stephen Gaghan is lining up to direct Gold starring Matthew McConaughey this summer.