Longtime AMPTP president to retire

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers announced Friday its long-time president, Nick Counter, is to retire next month.

AMPTP said the retirement is expected and will come with the expiration of Counter's latest contract March 31.

Following his retirement, Counter will serve as a consultant to the AMPTP on all labor matters including the Screen Actors Guild contract negotiations, the producers said in a statement.

"Counter has served as AMPTP president for 27 years and was the chief negotiator

for 311 major labor pacts, including six in 2008," AMPTP noted. "Counter's current contract was renegotiated in 2004 for an additional five years, plus five years as a consultant to the AMPTP upon retirement. A search is currently underway for Counter's successor. Carol Lombardini, AMPTP executive vice president, business and legal affairs, will serve as acting

president of the AMPTP."