NATO Hires Andrew Stewart as Chief Communications Officer

The National Association of Theatre Owners has named Andrew Stewart as chief communications officer. Stewart will lead communications and media relations strategy for the association in his new role.

Stewart, a former Variety reporter and alum of 42West and Imax, will be based in Los Angeles and report to Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of NATO. He will lead the communications strategy designed to increase awareness of exhibition in the entertainment industry. This includes promoting the recent $2.2 billion commitment from theater owners to upgrade theaters in the next three years.

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Stewart will work closely with the Cinema Foundation to promote movie theater attendance. He will also be involved in CinemaCon, the major exhibition convention that is held annually for the association.

“We were so impressed with Andrew’s drive and strategic know-how in navigating today’s ever-evolving media landscape,” O’Leary said. “Andrew will be invaluable to ensuring that exhibition is a part of the on-going conversation about the future of filmed entertainment. Not to mention, it’s clear he has a deep passion for going to the theater, with a desire to see the business of moviegoing not only succeed, but innovate and grow.”

Stewart previously served as VP at 42West, leading the organization’s strategic communications division. He previously held positions in communications for Participant and Imax Corporation. At Participant, he worked on campaigns for “Wonder,” “The Post,” “RBG” and “Green Book.” At Imax, he was a member of the team behind releases such as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Jurassic World” and the “Fast and Furious” franchise. Stewart started his career as an entertainment journalist for Variety, reporting on independent film and theatrical exhibition, box office and film distribution.

“For me, storytelling is at the heart of communications, so the opportunity to join a venerable organization such as NATO, to tell their story on behalf of the exhibition community, is nothing short of perfect,” Stewart said. “I couldn’t be more excited to roll up my sleeves and roll back the curtain in telling this next chapter in the theatrical exhibition story.”

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