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.
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