LOS ANGELES, US - A veteran negotiator was named president on Thursday of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the organization that handles contract talks on behalf of Hollywood movie studios.

Carol Lombardini will serve as the chief negotiator for movie and television producers on dozens of collective bargaining agreements with unions.

Lombardini was named acting president in April following the retirement of former AMPTP President Nick Counter. She joined the AMPTP in 1982, and has served in several positions, including general counsel.

Counter served as AMPTP president for more than 25 years, including a turbulent period two years ago when the Writers Guild of America went on strike in November 2007 and shut down Hollywood, before reaching a deal in February 2008.