Pisano operated as interim CEO from January 2010 until Senator Chris Dodd was named chairman and CEO in March. He will leave on Sept 30.

“During his tenure at the MPAA, Bob has been a strong leader of the organisation and a powerful voice for the motion picture industry,” Dodd said. “He has helped guide the MPAA’s worldwide operations at a time of extraordinary technological change and in the face of growing threats to our members’ intellectual property that has been enabled by that change.

In an e-mail to the MPAA staff announcing his decision, Pisano said, “During the time I’ve worked at MPAA, I’ve been essentially a transcontinental commuter. Since the beginning of last year, alone, I’ve made 25 trips to our DC headquarters.

“Though I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to help lead the organisation, I’m also increasingly conscious of the fact that I’ve reached that moment in life when quality time with one’s family is an increasingly precious gift… I am delighted that Chris has asked me to act as an advisor after my official departure date, and I have told him I’m willing to help in any way that I can.”

Prior to joining the MPAA, Pisano served for four years as national executive director and CEO of SAG. From 1993-1999 he was evp then vice chairman of the board of MGM.