Cinema United Extends Contact with CEO Michael O’Leary

Cinema United has extended the contract of CEO and President Michael O’Leary for an additional five years.

After joining the organization in May 2023, O’Leary has played a key role in promoting the positive economic and cultural impact of movie theaters in cities and towns around the world. O’Leary has overseen the adoption of the Cinema United brand to help unify and strengthen support for single-screen businesses to the world’s largest international theater circuits, focusing on theatrical exhibition. 

“Representing the great people who own and operate theaters 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 in a press release. “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.”

“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.”

In September, Cinema United released a report highlighting that the domestic film industry spent over $1.5 billion on theater…