In a move aimed at keeping the Directors Guild of America’s leadership aligned with its members’ evolving needs, Russell Hollander has signed on to lead the guild’s national office through the end of 2029. Since taking the role in 2017, Hollander has steered labor negotiations, policy development, and the guild’s operational strategy for more than 19,000 members around the world.
As the DGA’s chief negotiator, he has overseen a swath of bargaining activity, including pivotal talks with the AMPTP amid the 2023 strikes. He will also shepherd another round of talks with the major studios next month, continuing the guild’s effort to defend creatives’ rights and fair compensation.
Hollander joined the DGA in 2001 as assistant executive director and rose through the ranks to eastern executive director in 2002, and later to associate national executive director/eastern executive director in 2011. Before joining the guild, he practiced labor law as a partner at Cohen, Weiss, and Simon LLP, representing labor unions and benefit plans.
“I’m honored by the Board’s continued confidence in my service to the membership, especially during times of tremendous change,” Hollander said. “Our guild’s mission — to safeguard creative and economic rights — remains at the core, and the strength of our work comes from the close collaboration between elected leaders and our professional staff.”
New DGA president Christopher Nolan offered praise, noting that Hollander has guided the organization through the pandemic era, strikes, and a global downturn in production. “For nearly a decade Russ has been a steward for the Guild and its members,” Nolan said, “and we’re grateful for his ongoing commitment to the community.”
Hollander’s DGA tenure began in 2001 when he joined as assistant executive director, followed by a 2002 promotion to eastern executive director and an expansion in 2011 to the associate national executive director/eastern executive director post. He previously led labor work at Cohen, Weiss, and Simon LLP, focusing on employee benefits and union representation.
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