Lionsgate has announced the promotion of Rahwa Ghebre-Ab to Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective May 1, 2025.
Her promotion comes as longtime executive Ross Pollack retires after more than a decade with the studio.
Ghebre-Ab, who joined Lionsgate over 11 years ago, made history in 2021 as the company’s first Chief Ethics & Legal Compliance Officer.
In her expanded role, she will oversee global human resource operations across North America, the United Kingdom, and India, reporting directly to Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer.
“Rahwa is a rising star who has impressed everyone with her career trajectory and mastery of a wide range of disciplines,” Feltheimer said in a statement Friday. “Her expertise and problem-solving ability make her a great fit for our entrepreneurial culture and a valuable addition to our leadership team.”
Her promotion comes at a pivotal time for Lionsgate as the studio advances toward a planned separation of its operations from Starz, its premium television and streaming division.
The studio continues to thrive with blockbuster franchises such as John Wick and The Hunger Games, along with recent box office wins like Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Den of Thieves 2, and Flight Risk.
Ghebre-Ab’s appointment marks a significant leadership transition as Ross Pollack steps down. Pollack, who served as CHRO since 2014, previously held executive roles including CEO of Celestial Pictures and a 13-year tenure at Sony Pictures Entertainment. He played a key role in the 2011 merger that formed Celestial Tiger Entertainment, bringing together Lionsgate, Saban Capital, and Tiger Gate.
Pollack also led Lionsgate’s human resources team through major industry disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 Los Angeles labor strikes, and ongoing structural shifts in the entertainment landscape.
“We thank him for more than a decade of valuable contributions to our studio,” Feltheimer added.
Ghebre-Ab’s promotion not only reflects her leadership acumen but also signals Lionsgate’s commitment to elevating internal talent amid an evolving global entertainment industry.
