Daniel Mandil, the top lawyer in the MPAA's fight against piracy, is leaving the organzation to pursue a job with Viacom, a individual close to the MPAA confirmed.
Representatives for the Motion Picture Association of America declined comment, while Viacom reps have yet to respond to inquiries from TheWrap.
Mandil's departure was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter Wednesday.
According to an individual close to the MPAA, Mandil was not pushed out and the "organization is sad to see him go."
Mandil is credited with building the MPAA's aggressive and ongoing anti-piracy lobbying effort in Washington.
However, the L.A.-based Mandil was anxious to live in New York, where his family is located, and was let out early from his contract by MPAA interim president and CEO Bob Pisano.
Mandil joined the MPAA in 2009, after serving in a top legal position at Sony BMG.
