The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) has appointed Andrew Stewart as its new Chief Communications Officer. Stewart will now handle the association’s communications and media relations strategies. Based in Los Angeles, Stewart will report directly to NATO President & CEO Michael O’Leary, with key responsibilities including raising awareness of the industry’s $2.2 billion investment in theater upgrades and enhancing the visibility of CinemaCon, NATO’s annual exhibition convention.

Stewart brings extensive experience from his previous role as Vice President at 42West, where he led strategic communications across various industries, including entertainment and technology. His background also includes roles at Participant and IMAX, where he contributed to campaigns for major films such as “Wonder,” “The Post,” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” O’Leary praised Stewart’s strategic vision, saying, “Andrew will be invaluable to ensuring that exhibition is part of the ongoing conversation about the future of filmed entertainment.”

Stewart expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, citing his passion for storytelling and moviegoing. “The opportunity to join NATO and tell their story on behalf of the exhibition community is nothing short of perfect,” he said. Stewart’s journalism background, including his time at Variety, has earned him multiple awards, and he holds degrees in journalism and film studies from the University of Nebraska.