Gregory Hessinger to Replace Carol Lombardini at AMPTP As Hollywood’s Top Negotiator With Labor

by

For the first time in fifteen years, the influential yet low-key group responsible for brokering union contracts for the leading studios and streaming platforms in Hollywood has appointed a new head.

Gregory Hessinger has been chosen to lead the Motion Picture and Television Producers Alliance, taking over from Carol Lombardini who now holds an advisory role. This shift signals a reorganization within the Sherman Oaks-based organization following the strikes, established in 1982 as a merger of two separate employer groups aiming to project a more unified image and lessen the chances of industry disruptions.

Hessinger, who will be based in Los Angeles, starts on April 14.

The lawyer is widely recognized within the realm of entertainment business, having handled negotiations from both perspectives in the industry. Since 2016, Hessinger has been working as a partner at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, a law firm with strong connections to the entertainment sector and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers specifically. Before that, he practiced law as a partner at Curley, Hessinger & Johnsrud, a firm specializing in employment and labor matters, which later merged with Duane Morris.

Hessinger’s career in entertainment began at Westinghouse Broadcasting Company and CBS, where he rose to become the director of labor relations. Subsequently, he was appointed as the national executive director for the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) in 2000, before its merger with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). In 2005, SAG chose Hessinger as their CEO and national executive director. However, this appointment was short-lived due to internal political disputes and disagreements about whether or not to merge SAG and AFTRA, a decision that Hessinger supported. The national board of SAG terminated his employment after just six months. Eventually, SAG and AFTRA merged in 2012.

As a gamer, I’ve got my law degree from St. John’s University School of Law, right here in the bustling city of New York, and I also picked up an undergraduate degree from Lebanon Valley College nestled in Annville, Pennsylvania.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: “I, being part of the AMPTP board, have seen Greg in action from both perspectives, and I can confidently say he’s got the right stuff for our industry right now. He gets what matters most to those behind the scenes, making the magic happen, and he’s got a proven knack for bridging gaps and finding common ground between parties. After a thorough hunt, we’re certain that his expertise and connections will be priceless in guiding the AMPTP forward.

Hessinger is set to assume leadership of the organization, managing approximately 60 labor contracts during a period of rapid industry transformation. The organization plays a significant role in negotiating these agreements, as the business environment is experiencing contraction, putting pressure on workers and leading major companies to investigate how AI can be creatively utilized for cost savings. In his new position, Hessinger will undoubtedly face the repercussions of the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, which brought the usually clandestine Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers into public scrutiny.

His new role involves facilitating agreement among the heads and negotiators from diverse AMPTP member firms, who often have competitive interests and may not always agree on certain matters.

In a statement, Hessinger expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to head the AMPTP at a critical juncture in the business. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to fostering and preserving opportunities within entertainment and media. He is excited about collaborating with the Member Companies and union leaders to ensure that the talented individuals who power our industry can keep producing captivating content for global audiences.

Lombardini, who declared her retirement in late 2024, has been a part of the AMPTP since it started in 1982. Serving as president since 2009, she oversaw a generally tranquil phase for the organization until the strikes in 2023 disrupted the peace. In her statement, Lombardini expressed that holding this role was a privilege. She further stated, “I am confident that Greg is the ideal candidate to carry on uniting our industry and creating opportunities for those who breathe life into entertainment.”

Read More

2025-03-25 21:24