MUMBAI: The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has promoted Michael C. Ellis to president and managing director of its Asia Pacific operations. Ellis is a former litigator and law enforcement veteran and has served as an MPA executive in the region since 1999.

“With so many Asian countries emerging as pivotal markets for our companies, we want a senior industry ambassador of stature in the region to effectively advocate for open markets and for respect for intellectual property rights. This title is a reflection both of his accomplishments and effectiveness and the importance our member companies place on having strong relationships and the ability to do business in this part of the world,” said Motion Picture Association chairman and CEO Dan Glickman.

Ellis will be responsible for continuing to develop cohesive strategic approaches to addressing piracy and for promoting MPA member companies’ commercial interests by securing greater copyright protection and market access throughout the Asia Pacific region. Ellis manages operations in 14 countries, working with law enforcement and local governments and is the key political representative for the MPA in Asia Pacific.

Before joining the MPA, Ellis worked in the litigation department of the international law firm Herbert Smith.

Ellis assumes his new title immediately, and will report to MPA president and COO Bob Pisano. “Mike has been an excellent leader for us in the region for many years, and we are pleased to empower him to continue building upon his critical service to our member companies. We are fortunate to have him and pleased to give him this additional stature in the region and within our organization,” said Pisano.