SAG Names Seth Oster Deputy National Executive Director for Communications

LOS ANGELES --- Screen Actors Guild (SAG) today announced the appointment of Seth Oster to the newly created position of deputy national executive director for communications. A veteran communications professional, Oster will report to SAG National Executive Director and CEO A. Robert Pisano and will be responsible for overseeing all of the organization’s internal and external communications. Oster will also serve as a primary public spokesperson.

“Seth’s communications and public relations experience in the worlds of entertainment, technology and government will be a strong asset to Screen Actors Guild,” said Pisano. “This is a pivotal time for SAG, particularly as we work towards a TV/Theatrical contract and crafting a new consolidation plan. We are very pleased that Seth will be leading our communications efforts and look forward to having his counsel and strategic skills as we meet these challenges.”

For the past three years, Oster has played a central role in the music industry’s effort to build a legitimate online music marketplace. Most recently, he served as vice president of corporate communications and public affairs for Napster, where he guided the successful communications strategy surrounding Napster’s re-launch as a leading legitimate music service. Prior to that, Oster headed corporate communications and public affairs for Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment’s joint online music business.

Previously, Oster was vice president of corporate communications and government affairs for Stamps.com, where he crafted media strategies for the company’s service launch and $400-million stock offering, and oversaw its lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, Oster spent four years as a senior executive at the American Film Institute. Oster also served four years as a top communications aide to U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.

“Screen Actors Guild has a long and distinguished history and a deep commitment to protecting the rights of its members,” Oster said. “I am honored to play a role in helping advance the important goals of SAG and its members and look forward to working with my colleagues towards defining and enhancing the communications of this important organization.”