Franklin-based Propeller will open a Los Angeles-area office with veteran entertainment executive James Ackerman to oversee its operations.

A long-term Propeller shareholder, Ackerman (pictured) has served on the agency's board of directors for the past seven years. The new role will significantly increase his day-to-day involvement with the creative consultancy, according to Propeller officials.

Ackerman, who is based in Los Angeles, most recently operated as the president and CEO of Nashville-based Documentary Channel. Under his watch, the company enjoy a turnaround from 2009 until 2012, resulting in the sale of Documentary Channel to Participant Media. In addition, Ackerman was instrumental in negotiating Propeller's recent affiliate agreement with public relations firm Rogers & Cowan, as AOR for publicity services.

"We are thrilled to be opening an office in L.A. with James Ackerman anchoring our presence there," Dan Merrell, Propeller president and CEO, said in a release. "James has been an asset for Propeller as a shareholder and board member and to have him representing Propeller to the Hollywood community will prove invaluable."

Ackerman will open Propeller's new office in the ROAR Building in Beverly Hills, where it will share a space with Ackerman's existing media fund Spinnaker Media LP.