SAG-AFTRA’s National Board voted overwhelmingly—about 98.34%—to extend National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland’s contract through June 20, 2032 and to add the title Chief Executive Officer.

The extension, approved on a Saturday with broad support, keeps Crabtree-Ireland in leadership through the next round of studio negotiations set to expire in June 2030.

The contract extension underscores the union’s focus on bargaining leverage, operational management, and protecting members amid a changing entertainment landscape.

Crabtree-Ireland’s expanded role aims to provide stability during industry disruption and positions him to lead negotiations on AI, likeness protections, and performers’ compensation as technology evolves.

Crabtree-Ireland has long led SAG-AFTRA negotiations with Hollywood studios and has been a champion for actors’ rights amid evolving tech dynamics.

Crabtree-Ireland expressed gratitude and reaffirmed commitment to protecting members’ image, likeness, voice, and workplace compensation.

He emphasized artists’ control over their image, likeness, and voice, plus fair pay in the workplace as core priorities.

Crabtree-Ireland has led SAG-AFTRA since 2019, guiding the union through major industry shifts and high-stakes negotiations, including recent Hollywood strikes.

He will continue in his role as chief negotiator for the union.

Crabtree-Ireland previously helped negotiate SAG-AFTRA’s four-year deal with AMPTP, signaling ongoing bargaining activity.

Crabtree-Ireland has spent most of his career at SAG-AFTRA, including time as general counsel and chief operating officer before becoming national executive director in 2021, and he played a central role in the 2023 actors’ strike.

The extension signals leadership continuity amid industry changes and ongoing shifts in technology and labor landscapes.