Warner Bros. promotes Lachmund to head labor relations

Warner Bros. Entertainment has reorganized its labor relations department, appointing longtime studio executive Hank Lachmund to head the division.

Lachmund, a 31-year studio veteran and former supervisor with the National Labor Relations Board, has been promoted to executive vice president of industrial relations, the studio said Monday.

In his new role, Lachmund will be responsible for all aspects of labor relations as well as industrywide issues involving the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which negotiates labor contracts with the major Hollywood unions

He replaces Alan Raphael, a 34-year studio veteran, who will retire at the end of November.

“Hank’s experience, judgment and expertise will ensure that Warner Bros. continues as a respected and recognized leader in labor issues,” Warner Bros. general counsel John Rogovin said in a statement. “I’d also like to thank Alan for his many years of service to Warner Bros. and the countless contributions he’s made to our company and our industry.”

Additionally, Stephen Carroll and Sam Wolfson have both been elevated to senior vice presidents of labor relations, with Carroll retaining his focus on feature-film-related issues and Wolfson continuing to focus on television. Both executives will report to Lachmund in their new roles.

Warner Bros. said the moves were part of a restructuring to bring the labor relations department under the studio’s corporate legal department.

“Labor relations is our voice in the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and plays a critical role in maintaining stable and respectful relationships with the industry’s unions and guilds,” Warner Bros. Chief Executive Kevin Tsujihara said in the statement. “These organizations are absolutely crucial to the production business, and we look to Hank and our skillful labor relations team to manage these vital relationships.”

Twitter: @rverrier