Cinema United Reups Michael O’Leary As CEO & President Through 2030
Exhibition trade organization, Cinema United (formerly NATO), has extended the contract of CEO and President Michael O’Leary for an additional five years. O’Leary joined in 2023 taking over for long-running NATO Boss John Fithian.
The agreement for extension of O’Leary’s leadership was approved unanimously by the Cinema United Executive Board at their Los Angeles meeting last week.
“Michael has proven to be a tireless and passionate advocate for the exhibition industry,” said Mike Bowers, Cinema United Board Chair and CEO of Harkins Theatres. “Leveraging his broad experience in the motion picture industry as well as on Capitol Hill, Michael’s focus on unity, strategy and continuous improvement has earned the confidence and respect of members of all sizes, as well as our studio partners. The next five years present unique and exciting opportunities for our industry. We are thrilled to have the long-term stability and steady hand of Michael and the talented Cinema United team representing us during this time.”
O’Leary recently oversaw the adoption of the Cinema United brand in an effort to unify and strengthen the theatrical exhibition industry which spans the world and comprises businesses from single-screen theatres to the world’s largest international theatre circuits. Cinema United recently released its report highlighting that the domestic industry alone spent over $1.5 billion on theatre re-investment in just the past 12 months. Exhibition’s commitment to creating the Next Great Era of Cinema will be on display next spring at their annual global convention CinemaCon where “Innovation and Experiences” will be the primary theme.
“Representing the great people who own and operate theatres across the United States and around the world has been one of the great honors of my professional career, and I am energized by the opportunities that lie ahead for this iconic industry,” said O’Leary. “I want to thank Chairman Mike Bowers, outgoing Chair Bob Bagby and the entire Cinema United Executive Board for this opportunity. I also want to thank my dedicated colleagues at Cinema United. Our success is a direct result of their hard work and creativity, and I am excited to continue our work supporting and advocating on behalf of this industry.”
