Diane Strahan will serve as chief operating officer of the Motion Picture Association of America, the Hollywood lobbying arm said Friday.
She will oversee staff and operations and help direct strategy as the entertainment industry grapples with issues such as online piracy and production tax incentives.
Strahan fills a role that has been vacant for over a year. Bob Pisano stepped down from his position as MPAA president and COO in June 2011. He had also served as interim CEO from January 2010 until Sen. Chris Dodd was named chairman and CEO in March 2011.
Unlike Pisano, Strahan's position will not carry the president title, an MPAA spokeswoman confirmed.
In a statement announcing Strahan's hire, Dodd cited her work in digital technology as one of the reasons for her hire. She most recently served as senior vice president and general manager, mobile and internet registry services at the telecommunications company Neustar.
"Technology, innovation, industry alliances and audience engagement play increasingly important roles as the motion picture and television industry continues to advance into a new era," Dodd said in a statement. "Diane’s leadership talent will be a major asset for the MPAA and the studios we represent."
Strahan's resumé also includes work with companies like TechnoServe, AOL, CareerBuilder and MCI.
