Glickman to quit MPAA early

Dan Glickman will step down as chairman of the Motion Picture Assn. of America in April to become president of Refugees International, departing his post at the industry's chief lobbying arm several months earlier than planned.

Bob Pisano, the MPAA's president and chief operating officer, will become interim CEO as the search continues for Glickman's replacement. A bevy of names have been mentioned as possible permanent successors, including Pisano, but the MPAA has recently engaged Los Angeles exec recruitment firm Korn/Ferry International to compile a list. The position is viewed as one of Washington's most prized lobbying posts, with a high salary and, by D.C. standards, a certain luster. But it's also got its challenges, first and foremost being the ability to find consensus among highly competitive studio heads, who often have conflicting agendas, as well as upheaval among the MPAA staff.