Matthew Leaf is Executive Vice President and Head of Business Affairs for Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG). Leaf joined UFEG in April 2023 and leads Universal Pictures’ Business Affairs team responsible for negotiating all above-the-line talent deals for theatrical motion picture projects developed, produced and distributed globally by Universal, as well as dealmaking efforts on behalf of Universal’s roster of term producing partners including Amblin Partners, Monkeypaw Productions, 87North Productions and others. He works closely with the studio’s Film Strategy, Marketing, Distribution and Legal teams.

Leaf previously served as Head of Motion Pictures Business Affairs at leading global entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). In his 22 years with CAA, Leaf negotiated precedent-setting deals for many of the agency’s most prolific actors and filmmakers, helping guide the agency and its clients through a period of expansive growth and change in the media landscape. Leaf also advised and collaborated with CAA’s Media Finance, Television, Theater, Book Publishing, Music, Games, and Marketing divisions.

Prior to CAA, Leaf began his career in the feature legal department at Warner Bros, rising from an intern to Assistant General Counsel, Theatrical.

Leaf earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania.

He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three daughters.