Howard Gantman has been named vice-president of corporate communications at the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

Gantman replaces Angela Belden Martinez, who has been named senior advisor, director of outreach for economic development at the United States Department Of Commerce.

He will be based in the Washington DC office and comes from a background in crisis management, coalition building, strategic positioning and political affairs,

Vice-president of corporate communications Elizabeth Kaltman will continue to oversee the MPAA’s communications in Los Angeles, focusing on content protection, ratings, litigation and studio relations.

“Howard’s unique combination of expertise in public affairs and communications, coupled with his extensive experience in the government and media sectors will make him a critical player as we interface with the media, the public, federal agencies and our member companies in this new digital era,” MPAA chairman and CEO Dan Glickman said.

Gantman has been a senior communications consultant at the MPAA since August and previously served as Senator Dianne Feinstein’s staff director of the joint Congressional committee on inaugural ceremonies.

He was also staff director of the Senate rules and administration committee and was Senator Feinstein’s communications director for nine years.