The appointee joins the government relations department and will focus on advocating for the body’s federal legislative agenda.

Cylke served as a lobbyist for the US Chamber Of Commerce since February 2008, most recently as director of congressional and public affairs, and has been a fierce advocate for intellectual property protection and enforcement issues.

He played a key role in coordinating the Coalition Against Counterfeiting And Piracy, an alliance of more than 750 companies and associations that supported the passage of the PRO-IP Ac (the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2007.)

Prior to the US Chamber Of Commerce he spent more than seven years on Capitol Hill working in various capacities for the House Judiciary Committee.

“Chris Cylke brings years of advocacy, coalition-building, and legislative experience with him to the MPAA, and we’re thrilled to have him as a new member of our team,” MPAA chairman and CEO Chris Dodd said.