Greg Hessinger Named New AMPTP Chief: Former SAG Leader Takes the Helm

Greg Hessinger has recently been appointed as the new chief executive of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, marking him the third person to ever hold this position.

In his new role, Hessinger will oversee the negotiation of numerous labor contracts for major Hollywood studios. Notably, he will be involved in the upcoming negotiations with significant industry entities such as the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America, and SAG-AFTRA, set for next year.

Expressing his sentiments about his new role, Hessinger stated, “I am profoundly privileged to take on the role of CEO at the AMPTP at such a critical juncture for our industry.”

As the new head of the AMPTP, Hessinger will report to a diverse group consisting of traditional studios and modern streaming services, which often have differing priorities, especially as the industry shifts towards digital formats and grapples with the implications of using artificial intelligence in production.

The entertainment sector is still recovering from the strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, which halted productions for six months in 2023. Although Hessinger was not directly involved in those negotiations, he provided legal counsel to the AMPTP during that period.

After an extensive search, the AMPTP chose Hessinger due to his “remarkable ability to unify differing parties and his extensive experience and connections within the industry,” according to the organization.

Hessinger commented on his extensive career, “I have dedicated my career to fostering and maintaining opportunities within the entertainment and media sectors, and I eagerly anticipate collaborating with our Member Companies and union leaders to ensure that our industry’s talents continue to deliver captivating content globally.”

Jeff Ruthizer, a former senior VP of labor relations at ABC who negotiated opposite Hessinger in the early 2000s, described him as a “very effective” negotiator adept at reaching agreements. “He’s straightforward, very approachable,” said Ruthizer, who authored the memoir “Labor Pains”. “He’s going to be a tremendous asset to the AMPTP. This is excellent news not just for the employers, but for the entire industry.”

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, praised Hessinger as an “experienced negotiator” with a “thorough understanding of the industry.” “We are looking forward to engaging in fruitful negotiations with him as we continue to advocate for and advance the interests of all performers,” said Crabtree-Ireland.

Hessinger follows Carol Lombardini, who has been at the helm since 2009 and announced her retirement last fall. Lombardini will remain as an advisor. “It has been an honor to collaborate with numerous skilled studio executives and esteemed union representatives to address workplace challenges in our industry,” Lombardini stated. “I am confident that Greg is the ideal leader to continue to unite our industry and enhance opportunities for those who bring entertainment to life.”

Crabtree-Ireland also commended Lombardini as she transitions to her new advisory role, noting her “decades of service and pioneering work as the first female lead negotiator for the employers.”

Hessinger will officially begin his tenure on April 14. He is presently the chair of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, a law firm known for its substantial labor and employment practice.

He began his entertainment career at CBS in the 1990s as director of labor relations, later joining the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, where he advocated for a merger with the Screen Actors Guild in 2003—a merger that eventually took place in 2012. Hessinger’s tenure as national executive director of SAG ended after six months when the Membership First faction took control and sought a tougher stance in negotiations.

Following his time at SAG, Hessinger worked with law firms in Philadelphia and New York, defending corporate clients against unfair labor practices and helping a regional sports network repel unionization attempts.

Yakub Hazzard will succeed him as the chair of MSK.

The DGA, which typically initiates labor talks, recently announced that Jon Avnet and Karen Gaviola will lead the 2026 negotiating committee, having also co-chaired the committee in 2023. “In these challenging times, it is hard to believe that we are already preparing for the next round of negotiations with the studios,” stated Lesli Linka Glatter, the union’s president.