KM&M Strengthens Entertainment Labor Practice with Addition of Kevin D. Ellman

KM&M is pleased to announce that Kevin D. Ellman has joined the firm as Of Counsel in its entertainment labor practice. With more than two decades of experience in labor relations and business and legal affairs within the entertainment and media industry, Mr. Ellman brings senior-level, in-house insight from some of the world’s most influential media companies, including Paramount Global and The Walt Disney Company.

Mr. Ellman’s practice combines high-level labor strategy with hands-on leadership in business and legal affairs, which enables him to deliver integrated counsel that thoughtfully aligns labor relations, business objectives, and legal risk management. His approach is shaped by years of executive decision-making at the highest levels of the industry.

Mr. Ellman joins KM&M following his tenure as Senior Vice President of Labor Relations at Paramount Media Networks. In that role, he oversaw labor relations and developed labor strategy across the division’s many traditional and digital exhibition platforms, business units, studio operations, and corporate facilities. He has successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements, resolved union grievances, led management responses to union organizing efforts, and provided strategic labor counsel across complex, cross-functional operations. 

In addition, Mr. Ellman previously served as Senior Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs at Viacom Media Networks and as Vice President of Business Affairs at Disney/ABC Television Group. In these positions, he oversaw business and legal matters for major global entertainment franchises and exhibition platforms.

His broad experience spans animated and live-action content for television, streaming, and theatrical release; content licensing and distribution; commercials, endorsements, and social media campaigns; consumer products; live entertainment including concert tours, theme park attractions, and live broadcast events; podcast production; video games; music composition, recording, licensing, and distribution; employment of minors in entertainment; and the application of emerging technologies in media, including artificial intelligence.

“Kevin’s executive-level experience provides him with a unique perspective that will be extremely valuable to our clients,” said Bill Zuckerman, KM&M’s Managing Partner and Entertainment Group Leader. “He understands the legal framework of labor relations and business affairs, as well as the operational realities and pressures facing media companies today. We are excited to welcome him to the firm.”

Mr. Ellman earned his J.D. from the Cardozo School of Law and holds a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is admitted to practice in New York.