Theater Owners Trade Org Names Industry Vet Andrew Stewart Chief Communications Officer

The National Association of Theatre Owners has found its chief communications officer: Andrew Stewart.

In his new gig, he’ll lead all efforts for NATO’s communications and media relations strategy, which is to promote the theatrical industry as the leading out-of-home experience for current and future generations. He’ll also work to raise awareness of exhibition’s critical role in the entertainment industry’s success and help map its future, such as promoting the results of exhibition’s recent $2.2 billion commitment to modernize and upgrade theaters of all sizes over the next three years.

Stewart will be based in NATO’s Los Angeles office and report directly to NATO president-CEO Michael O’Leary.

An immediate priority for Stewart will be CinemaCon, NATO’s annual event held each spring in Las Vegas. O’Leary is keen on amplifying the event’s impact and increase visibility with members, key stakeholders from across the industry, the media and the general public.

“We were so impressed with Andrew’s drive and strategic know-how in navigating today’s ever-evolving media landscape,” O’Leary said in a statement. “Andrew will be invaluable to ensuring that exhibition is a part of the on-going conversation about the future of filmed entertainment.”

Added Stewart, “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.”

Most recently, Stewart served as a vice president at 42West, where he led the Los Angeles-based team for the company’s Strategic Communications Division, working on a wide range of clientele across industries, including entertainment, gaming, technology, social impact, as well as crisis communications and issues management. Prior to that, he served in various communications roles for Participant and IMAX Corporation. During his time at Participant, he worked on campaigns for such box office hits as Wonder, The Post and Oscar-winner Green Book.

Stewart began his career as an entertainment journalist for Variety, where he reported on box office, film distribution, digital and on-demand platforms, as well as independent film and theatrical exhibition. As a journalist, he has been honored multiple times by the Southern California Journalism Awards.