Charles H. Rivkin is Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), the leading advocate of the global film, television, and streaming industry. The MPA’s members currently include Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Drawing on 30 years of experience as a media executive and a leading U.S. diplomat, Rivkin advocates for policies that drive investment in film and television production, protect creative content, and open markets. He champions the economic and cultural power of film and television to communities around the world.  In 2019, Rivkin recruited Netflix to join the association, reflecting the MPA’s increased focus on streaming services and shifting viewer practices. In 2024, Rivkin brought on Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios.

As chief executive, Rivkin is also responsible for the MPA’s iconic movie ratings system, which has served parents and moviegoers for more than 50 years. He also serves as Chairman of the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), the world’s largest content protection coalition dedicated to combatting digital piracy. In 2021, Rivkin received the Spanish National Police Merit Cross — with distinction for content protection efforts — the highest law enforcement decoration bestowed on a civilian.

Prior to joining the MPA, Rivkin served for more than seven years at the highest levels of the U.S. government’s diplomatic corps. He was the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs from 2014 to 2017. He led the State Department Bureau responsible for managing international trade negotiations, intellectual property rights protection, and global internet policy, among other major policy issues. While conducting economic diplomacy for the United States, he visited more than 40 countries and 70 cities around the world.

From 2009 to 2013, Rivkin was the United States Ambassador to France and Monaco. In this role, he guided America’s oldest and one of its largest diplomatic missions, with six constituent posts throughout France and representing more than 50 U.S. government agencies. During his posting, Rivkin was personally awarded the Légion d’honneur with the rank of Commander by the President of France as well as la Grande Médaille de Vermeil de la Ville de Paris by the Mayor of Paris. He was also presented with the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award by the Secretary of the Navy.

Before his government service, Rivkin worked in the media and entertainment sector for more than 20 years. During that period, he served as President and CEO of Jim Henson Company, home to The Muppets and other award-winning film and television franchises and beloved characters. He also served as CEO of WildBrain, where he won a BAFTA Award as an Executive Producer of the hit children’s television series Yo Gabba Gabba!, and Fast Company named him one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business.

Rivkin is a Board member of the American Academy of Diplomacy, the American Film Institute, and Via Transportation Inc. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1984, graduating with distinction in political science and international relations. He received his M.B.A. from Harvard University in 1988.

Michele Austin is the President and Managing Director of the Motion Picture Association – Canada, where she leads government relations, policy development, and advocacy on behalf of the MPA studios and their domestic affiliates. Michele joined the association in 2026.

Michele joins the MPA from Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE), one of the country’s largest telecommunications and media companies, where she served as Vice President of Public Affairs, overseeing strategy and engagement in all government jurisdictions and areas of public policy.

Prior to BCE, Michele was Director of Public Policy for the United States and Canada at X (formerly Twitter). From 2018 to 2022, Michele also served as the global financial chair for Twitter Indigenous, an internal employee business group.

For five years starting in 2013, Michele worked as a Senior Advisor at Summa Strategies, a government relations firm. At Summa, she established a technology practice working with clients such as Google, Block, and the Canada Media Fund.

From 2006-2012, Michele served as Chief of Staff in four federal departments—including as the first woman to hold this position at Industry Canada—spanning Industry Canada, Public Works & Government Services, Shared Services Canada and Status of Women. Over her career, Michele has been recognized by the Hill Times as one of Canada’s top 100 lobbyists as well as a “Terrific 25” Parliament Hill staffer.

Michele has served on multiple boards and committees, including the Canadian Telecommunications Association and the Canadian Marketing Association. She appeared as a regular political panelist on CTV’s Power Play from 2010 through 2018.

Michele lives in Ottawa with her family.