The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) has appointed Kari Grubin to succeed Seth Hallen as President.
Grubin will take up the role on January 1, 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the HPA presidency.
She is only the third HPA president since the organisation’s founding, following Hallen and HPA founder Leon Silverman.
A recognised expert in technology, consultative expertise and post-production services, Grubin has served on the HPA Board since 2020.
She co-founded HPA Women in Post (2011) which provides leadership opportunities and visibility for women working in professional content creation.
Grubin led the HPA Tech Retreat Supersession in 2022 and is currently collaborating with Hallen and the Program Committee in the planning of the 2025 HPA Tech Retreat Supersession.
She has also led many industry initiatives including serving as project director on SMPTE’s industry-defining Rapid Industry Solutions on Set Virtual Production Initiative. She was asked to join the Production and Technology Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2021.
Grubin’s early career saw her rise to become head of technical operations at Paramount Studios. She was then a co-founder and general manager of the mastering facility at Global Entertainment Partners (GEP) before selling the company to Deluxe Entertainment Services Group.
At Deluxe, she was named vice president of post and restoration before joining the cybersecurity company, NSS Labs, as sales director, and then served as vice president of mastering for Walt Disney Studios. She is listed as a co-inventor for three US patents in media and entertainment technology.
“I am truly honoured and excited to be part of the leadership team of this great organisation that means so much to me, and I will bring my passion and experience to this responsibility,” said Grubin. “Now more than ever, HPA is a critical and hyper-relevant partner for the individuals and companies at work in our industry as we face the significant change, challenge and opportunity ahead. HPA will continue to be a conduit for our community to grow, reach out for new opportunities and adapt.”
The HPA Board has also announced that Renard Jenkins will assume the role of Vice President of the Board in January alongside Grubin. At that time, a new Executive Committee will take over. The 2025 HPA Board Executive Committee includes Grubin, Jenkins, Craig German and Graylind Wherry.
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
Netflix withdraws from race to acquire Warner Bros Discovery
Netflix has withdrawn from the race to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, leaving the way clear for Paramount Skydance to win the months-long battle for the historic Hollywood studio.
Avatar: Fire and Ash leads at Visual Effects Society awards
Avatar: Fire and Ash was the big winner at the Visual Effects Society’s 24th Annual VES Awards, taking home seven awards in total, including the top prize of Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature.
UK set to enhance regulation of major streamers such as Netflix and Disney+
The UK's biggest video-on-demand services will have to follow the same content and accessibility rules as traditional broadcasters, under new government legislation.
Charity publishes set of principles for mentally healthy productions
The Film and TV Charity has unveiled its new ‘Principles for Mentally Healthy Productions’ to help address systemic pressures and poor working practices across the UK screen sector, aiming to improve culture and conditions on productions.
Warner Bros Discovery and BBC report strong Winter Olympics viewing
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and the BBC have both reported strong viewership results for their coverage of the Olympic Winter Games for Milano-Cortina 2026.
