SAG-AFTRA Extends Duncan Crabtree-Ireland's Contract, Promotes to CEO

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, who joined SAG-AFTRA more than 25 years ago, has been promoted to CEO and his contract extended through June 2032. The Hollywood guild's national board approved the new deal with over 98% support, according to The Hollywood Reporter and web search facts. His previous contract was set to end in 2028.

Crabtree-Ireland will continue as SAG-AFTRA's chief negotiator. He has been a key figure in the union's negotiations with Hollywood studios and has defended actors' rights during rapid technological changes. He was also a principal architect of SAG-AFTRA's pandemic safety response and return-to-work initiatives.

SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin stated that Crabtree-Ireland provides the "expert leadership" needed to "battle giant global transnational corporations," according to web search facts. Astin added that Crabtree-Ireland is a "powerful executive" who has led the union at the bargaining table and in industry boardrooms.

Crabtree-Ireland expressed his gratitude, calling the role "the honor of my career." He intends to ensure members control their image, likeness, voice, and destiny, and are fairly compensated. He also leads the union's technology and innovation team, focusing on AI's impact, and was named to the 2025 TIME100 A.I. list by TIME magazine.