The National Association of Theatre Owners, which represents movie theatres in 101 countries, announced the appointment of Michael P. O’Leary as President and CEO of the organization beginning 1 May 2023. John Fithian, who currently heads up NATO, will be retiring from the position on the same day.

NATO’s Executive Board began a search for Fithian’s successor when his retirement was originally announced back in October. O’Leary, who is lives and is based in Washington D.C. just like Fithian, has served in senior positions at The Entertainment Software Association, 21st Century Fox and the Motion Picture Association. Starting in 1993 spent five years as the chief council for United States Senators Dennis DeConcini, Russell Feingold and Joe Biden (who, of course, is now president). He then went on to work in the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Justice Department for six years.

O’Leary will officially begin his tenure at NATO on 10 April with a public transition to occur at CinemaCon in Las Vegas later that month. He will join the executive team of the Global Cinema Federation. Fithian leaves NATO after a 30 year run, having been appointed President and CEO in 2000.