Carol Lombardini, studio negotiator throughout Hollywood strikes, to step down

Carol Lombardini, who represented the most important studios on the bargaining desk throughout final yr’s writers’ and actors’ strikes, is about to step down as president and chief negotiator of the Alliance of Movement Image and Tv Producers in 2025.

“We are incredibly grateful to Carol for her many years of leadership at the AMPTP and wish her the very best in her retirement,” the spokesperson mentioned in a press release.

“She has been a steady and invaluable advocate at the bargaining table, strengthening relationships with our union partners every step of the way.”

Lombardini was appointed president of the AMPTP in 2009 after working for the group in a authorized capability since its inception in 1982. She not too long ago got here into the highlight through the twin Hollywood strikes of 2023, bargaining on behalf of Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, Amazon and different leisure firms.

“I think I’ve participated in more than 300 deals,” Lombardini advised The Occasions in 2009.

“This is probably one of the most heavily unionized industries in the U.S. When you step foot on a set in Hollywood, you’re automatically dealing with 25 unions. It’s very challenging because you have to know what’s in each contract.”

Lombardini’s retirement announcement will not be anticipated to have an effect on ongoing contract negotiations between the AMPTP and the Animation Guild. Negotiations for that contract have traditionally been led by Lombardini’s deputy, Tracy Cahill.

Earlier than turning into the primary feminine chief of the AMPTP, Lombardini labored for many years below her predecessor and mentor, Nick Counter, who retired from his submit and died in 2009.

She was a lightning rod for criticism by Hollywood staff, notably throughout final yr’s walkouts. A parody account portraying Lombardini as a cartoonish company shill went viral on X through the work stoppages of 2023.

The chief negotiator for the highest studios and streamers is usually thought to be the nemesis of Hollywood labor, however Lombardini had a distinct take upon getting into the position greater than a decade in the past.

“As the chief negotiator, you are the target of negative attention from the other side,” she advised The Occasions.

“But the irony of the situation is that, in reality, I’m labor’s closest ally because if I can’t convince my bargaining committee to do something they are asking for, they are not going to get it.”