Andrew Stewart
October 21, 2024
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) Oct. 21 announced it has named veteran communications executive Andrew Stewart as chief communications officer. In this role, Stewart will lead all efforts for the association’s communications and media relations strategy promoting the cinema industry within the media landscape.
As a key member of NATO’s leadership team, based in Los Angeles and reporting directly to CEO Michael O’Leary, Stewart will lead a comprehensive communications strategy to raise awareness of exhibition’s critical role in the entertainment industry’s success and help map its future, including the industry’s recent $2.2 billion commitment to modernize and upgrade theatres over the next three years.
An immediate priority for Stewart will involve CinemaCon, NATO’s annual exhibition convention held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas each spring, to amplify its impact and increase visibility with members, key stakeholders from across the industry, the media, and the general public.
He will also work in close partnership with the Cinema Foundation on efforts to promote moviegoing.
“We were so impressed with Andrew’s drive and strategic know-how in navigating today’s ever-evolving media landscape,” O’Leary said in a statement.
Most recently, Stewart served as VP at 42West, where he led the Los Angeles-based PR team for the company’s strategic communications division, working on a wide range of clientele across industries, including entertainment, gaming, technology, social impact, as well as crisis communications and issues management.
Prior to that, Steward served in various communications roles for Participant and Imax Corporation. During his time at Participant, he worked on campaigns for theatrical releases Wonder, The Post, RBG and Green Book, and while at Imax, he was part of the exhibitor’s record-setting box office releases for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Jurassic World, and the Fast and Furious franchise, among others.
Stewart began his career as an entertainment journalist for Variety, where he reported on box office, film distribution, digital and on-demand platforms, as well as independent film and theatrical exhibition. As a journalist, he has been honored multiple times by the Southern California Journalism Awards. Prior to being a film reporter, Stewart worked as an online editor for the LA-based trade publication. Stewart received bachelor degrees in both journalism (news-editorial) and film studies from the University of Nebraska.
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