Toronto has brought in a familiar face to oversee its billion-dollar film industry.

Zaib Shaikh has been named as the city’s film commissioner and director of entertainment industries.

Shaikh has acted in film and television, including in CBC's Little Mosque on the Prairie. He is also a writer, producer and director.

"I know you were probably expecting Drake," Shaikh joked about expectations of who would be appointed to the role.

Asked about his goals, Shaikh said he wants to make Toronto a "global media playground," drawing upon its strengths as a diverse and vibrant city.

His new role with the city was announced Thursday. Shaikh will start his job within a few weeks.