Former BuzzFeed communications executive Mark Jafar had been hired to head Imax’s global corporate communications effective immediately, the company announced on Monday.
Jafar, who will report directly to Imax CEO Rich Gelfond, will oversee all communications, media relations and corporate social responsibility for Imax, working across the company’s business and entertainment divisions. He will also support domestic and global efforts to communicate the company’s brand narrative, strategic partnerships and more.
“Mark is well-suited to communicate Imax’s position at the intersection of innovation, creativity and unparalleled immersive experience,” Gelfond said in a statement. “His deep experience with global consumer brands will be critical as we grow and expand Imax, while his proven effectiveness as a communicator and leader will be key to telling our story.”
Most recently, Jafar served as vice president of corporate communications at BuzzFeed, where he led corporate communications and entertainment publicity for the company’s executives and across its numerous brands, technology and content arms, marketing functions and more.
From 2006 to 2017, Jafar held several communications leadership roles at Viacom, including senior vice president of corporate communications and public affairs at MTV.
During his tenure at Viacom and MTV, Jafar oversaw communications efforts across business and entertainment units, including executive communications, digital media, brand strategy, program publicity, public affairs, corporate responsibility, financial communications and more. He also oversaw publicity strategy for original series, documentaries and live events, including the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Movie Awards.
“For me, Imax has always been synonymous with the magic of cinema, and I’m honored to join Rich and his team at a time when the company is connecting with audiences like never before,” he added.