Ross Pollack served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Lionsgate from June 2014 until his retirement effective May 1, 2025. During his tenure, Pollack oversaw all aspects of human resources and administration for Lionsgate’s global operations, including the company’s joint ventures. His leadership spanned a critical period characterized by significant industry disruption and global expansion efforts.
Prior to Lionsgate, Pollack held senior roles in the entertainment industry including a 13-year tenure at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he developed significant expertise in international markets. This included six years as Senior Vice President of Distribution in Asia, based in Hong Kong, and earlier roles in human resources and operations. His experience in Asia encompassed building strategies for delivering filmed content in international territories.
Before joining Lionsgate, Pollack was the CEO of Hong Kong-based Celestial Pictures for three years. Additionally, he served as Managing Director of Insigniam in both Hong Kong and Los Angeles, where he was responsible for building the Asian client base and driving operational growth.
At Lionsgate, Pollack’s portfolio included employee compensation, professional development, and comprehensive benefits initiatives. He was credited with leading the rollout of a broad spectrum of employee rewards and well-being programs, aimed at maintaining high employee satisfaction. Under his management, Lionsgate’s human resources team achieved an overall positive office culture rating, with 100% employee approval of HR job performance, despite some challenges in retention.
Pollack’s role required a strategic approach to talent acquisition, employee engagement, and global HR operations, reflecting Lionsgate’s multinational footprint. His background indicates a strong alignment with organizations undergoing transformation and navigating complex regulatory and cultural environments, especially in the media and entertainment sectors.
Educational background references include that Ross Pollack is an alumnus of Pace University (Class of 1983), and he attended Livingston High School. However, specific details about higher education degrees or other formal qualifications were not disclosed in the available information.
Pollack’s involvement in industry forums and recognition as a leading HR executive is reflected in his inclusion among Top 10 Chief Human Resources Officers (2022) in the entertainment domain. He has also been active in professional panels and speaking engagements focused on the changing landscape of human resources, emphasizing collaboration across HR, education, and wellness sectors.
In April 2025, Lionsgate announced the promotion of Rahwa Ghebre-Ab to succeed Ross Pollack as EVP and Chief HR Officer coinciding with Pollack’s retirement. Ghebre-Ab will now manage Lionsgate’s global HR operations, transitioning from Pollack's active leadership after an 11-year period shaping the company’s human capital strategies.
Summary of Key Professional Details
- Position: Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Lionsgate (June 2014 – May 2025)
- Responsibilities: Global HR and administration for Lionsgate and joint ventures; employee compensation; professional development; benefits rollout; talent acquisition.
- Previous Experience:
- CEO of Celestial Pictures (Hong Kong)
- Managing Director at Insigniam (Hong Kong, Los Angeles)
- 13 years at Sony Pictures Entertainment, including 6 years as Senior VP, Distribution Asia (Hong Kong)
- Industry Tenure: Over 20 years leading HR, licensing, and operations in entertainment across U.S. and international markets.
- Education: Pace University (Class of 1983); Livingston High School.
- Notable Recognition: Named among Top 10 CHROs in 2022 for entertainment industry.
- Retirement: Effective May 1, 2025, succeeded by Rahwa Ghebre-Ab.
Ross Pollack’s extensive international experience, leadership through industry disruptions, and focus on comprehensive HR strategies position him as a seasoned executive with robust insights into global talent management within the entertainment sector. His track record suggests a capability to navigate complex cross-cultural environments and deliver value through human capital initiatives aligned with organizational growth objectives.
