Cinema United has extended the contract of its CEO and President Michael O’Leary, who will continue to lead the global cinema exhibition association through 2030.
The decision, approved unanimously by the Executive Board during a meeting in Los Angeles, strengthens O’Leary’s leadership and ensures strategic continuity for a sector still navigating transformation after the challenges of the pandemic years.
Chairman of the Board and Harkins Theatres CEO Mike Bowers said O’Leary had proven to be a dedicated and passionate advocate for the exhibition industry, emphasizing his ability to unite members of all sizes around a shared vision. Bowers noted that O’Leary’s extensive experience in both the film industry and Washington policymaking had earned him broad respect and trust across the organization and among studio partners.
Since taking the helm in 2023, O’Leary has focused on highlighting the cultural and economic importance of movie theaters as essential spaces for community and creativity. According to a recent Cinema United report, the U.S. exhibition sector invested more than 1.5 billion dollars over the past year in upgrades and renovations, a figure that the association describes as part of the next great era of cinema.
Among his most visible initiatives is the launch of the new Cinema United brand, created to strengthen the industry’s shared identity across independent theaters and major international chains. This renewed commitment to innovation will take center stage at the next edition of CinemaCon, scheduled for the spring, under the theme Innovation and Experiences.
O’Leary said he was honored to continue representing the people who own and operate movie theaters around the world and credited the achievements of recent years to the dedication and creativity of the Cinema United team.
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