Emilie Anthonis takes helm of MPA’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa operations
Changing of the guard in EMEA region
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has announced a significant leadership change in its Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. Effective January 1, Emilie Anthonis will be stepping into the role of president and managing director, succeeding Stan McCoy. This transition marks the end of McCoy’s decade-long tenure at the helm.
Behind the MPA: A global representation
The MPA, renowned for its pivotal role in lobbying and advocacy within the creative sector, represents some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. These include Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros. Discovery, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, as well as Netflix. The association works to advance the interests of its members, focusing on policy engagement, anti-piracy efforts, and fostering partnerships across various regions.
A new era with Emilie Anthonis
Professional background and experience
Emilie Anthonis is no stranger to the MPA or the European audiovisual sector. With a robust background that includes serving as director of legal and public affairs at the Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT), her expertise in policymaking and intellectual property is well-recognized. Prior to her tenure at ACT, she worked as in-house counsel at Viacom and began her career as an IP lawyer in Brussels, specializing in copyright and media law. Her academic credentials boast law degrees from the Universities of Leuven and Antwerp and further master’s qualifications in European and intellectual property law from the University of Brussels.
Responsibilities and vision
Based in Brussels, Anthonis will be reporting to Gail MacKinnon, senior executive vice president of global policy and government affairs. “I am looking forward to serving the MPA members in this new capacity while continuing the spirit of teamwork that Stan has inspired across all of our MPA EMEA operations,” said Anthonis. She emphasized the importance of the European market, citing its rich history of storytelling and long-standing partnerships with MPA members.
Industry reflections
Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the MPA, praised Anthonis, calling her a “veteran of the MPA and the European audiovisual sector”. He lauded her as a powerful advocate for the creative industry and an expert in policymaking with a respected voice in European capitals. “Emilie is ready to take the reins of our operations and serve as an effective voice for our industry across this region, and I have full confidence in her ability to keep advancing the MPA’s priorities, leading our policy engagements, and accompanying our member studios’ partnerships with stakeholders throughout Europe and beyond,” Rivkin added.
Stan McCoy’s legacy
Looking back on his tenure, Stan McCoy expressed pride in his leadership role within the MPA. “I’m proud to pass the baton after an exciting decade leading what is undoubtedly the EMEA region’s most skilled trade association across public policy, anti-piracy, and all its other fields of expertise,” said McCoy. A former senior U.S. trade official, McCoy is stepping down to return to his native Washington DC area.
The significance of MPA’s role in creative industry
The MPA’s mission extends beyond its immediate members’ interests. The organization plays a critical role in shaping policies that affect the global creative sector. From advocating for intellectual property rights to combating piracy, the MPA ensures that the voices of studios and content creators are heard and protected. This influence is particularly crucial in the EMEA region, where diverse markets and regulatory environments present both challenges and opportunities.
Empowering regional growth
With Emilie Anthonis at the helm, there is a renewed focus on leveraging the unique strengths of the EMEA region. Europe, in particular, is a key market, not just for its economic potential but also for its rich cultural heritage and innovative storytelling traditions. The partnerships that MPA fosters are designed to enhance growth while respecting the unique regulatory and cultural landscapes of each country within the region.
Strategic priorities and future outlook
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the MPA’s strategic priorities include advancing digital transformation, supporting local content creation, and enhancing anti-piracy measures. Emilie Anthonis’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating these areas, ensuring that MPA’s member studios remain competitive and that the creative economy thrives.
Conclusion
The appointment of Emilie Anthonis as the new president and managing director for the MPA’s EMEA operations marks a significant milestone. With her extensive experience and visionary outlook, Anthonis is poised to lead the organization into a new era of advocacy and innovation. Her appointment signals a commitment to maintaining the MPA’s influential presence across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, while continuing to champion the rights and interests of its member studios.
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