Jim C Williams has been appointed senior vice president and chief technology officer for the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

Williams has served as a senior technology executive at the MPAA since he joined in 2002 as vice president of television and video systems standards.

In his new role he will work closely with the MPAA's studio members on such matters as content recognition and watermarking technologies, standard-setting initiatives and cross-industry outreach.

MPAA chief Dan Glickman hailed Williams' 'crucial role' in Hollywood's ongoing transition to digital cinema.

Prior to joining the MPAA, Williams spent nearly 20 years with Hughes/DIRECTV.