Philip Berk has been elected president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) for the year 2009-2010 following the annual general meeting this week [June 3].

This will be the seventh time Berk, who writes for FilmInk in Australia and Galaxie in Malaysia, will assume the role of president. He has belonged to the organisation for 32 years.

Hans Spurkel was elected vice president and Meher Tatna executive secretary. The results of a run-off for the position of treasurer are expected to be announced by the end of the week.

The new board of directors comprises Jorge Camara (chairman), Ali Sar, Ruben Nepales, Theo Kingma, Armando Gallo and Frances Schoenberger (alternate).

The annual HFPA Installation Luncheon to honour the officers and directors will be held later this summer, when the HFPA will make its annual donations to non-profit organisations and film schools.