Mark Zoradi, former president of the Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Group, is joining the board of directors of newly formed Rave Cinemas, the fifth largest theater exhibition chain in the U.S.
Thomas W. Stephenson Jr., Rave Motion Pictures’ president-CEO, said in a statement: "Rave is extremely fortunate to have Mark Zoradi join the board of our newly formed company. His long career at Disney and experience in all facets of the entertainment industry will provide valuable insight and counsel. His track record as a leader and innovator will be invaluable as we move forward."
Rave was formed in December through the purchase of 32 former National Amusements theaters and the concurrent acquisition of four theaters from Boston Ventures-owned Rave Reviews Cinemas, together with RRC’s corporate infrastructure and the Rave Motion Pictures brand.
Rave’s day-to-day business and operations are managed by RRC’s former management team, which partnered with equity sponsor TowerBrook Capital Partners and co-investors Lambert Media Group and Charles B. Moss Jr. to found Rave and pursue the NAI and RRC acquisitions.
Zoradi spent 30 years at Disney in the television, home entertainment and film divisions. He started in 1980 as marketing manager for Walt Disney Home Video. He later became marketing director for the Disney Channel, director of sales for Buena Vista Pictures Distribution and VP/general manager of Buena Vista Television.
In 1992 he was asked to set up stand-alone international theatrical marketing and distribution organization Buena Vista International. From 2007 to early 2010 he spearheaded the worldwide Disney marketing and distribution teams.
In a statement, Zoradi said of Rave, "The new entity is well positioned within the exhibition community to excel in providing the best cinemagoing experience to movie audiences. My longtime experience on the studio side of the business will be a complement to the existing team."
