Cinemark has announced that industry veteran Mark Zoradi will succeed Tim Warner as CEO, effective on Aug. 24.
After a nearly 20-year career at Cinemark and more than a 50-year career in the exhibition industry, Warner has been named as Cinemark’s executive vice-chairman.
Warner will work closely with Zoradi and the management team to facilitate a smooth transition. Warner has also agreed to provide consulting services to the company after the expiration of his employment agreement.
“Tim Warner is one of the great leaders of our industry,” said Lee Roy Mitchell, Chairman of the Board. “We are grateful for his dedication to our company, as well as his significant contributions to both Cinemark and the global exhibition industry. We are confident that Mark Zoradi will be successful with the support of Robert Copple, our President and Chief Operating Officer, and Valmir Fernandes, President of Cinemark International.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead the Cinemark team, which I consider the best in the business,” said Warner. “Cinemark’s reputation for delivering excellent results and industry-leading initiatives are in good hands with Mark, Robert and Valmir. I look forward to working with Mark, the Board and the rest of the management team to ensure a seamless leadership transition.”
“I am honored to become a part of the Cinemark team,” added Zoradi. “Working together with the Board and Senior Management, I look forward to all we will accomplish together. Theatrical exhibition continues to drive the economic engine of the motion picture business and Cinemark’s global operations are particularly well-positioned in this ever-evolving industry.
Zoradi, 61, is a seasoned entertainment industry executive who most recently served as the COO of Dreamworks Animation SKG. Prior to his post at Dreamworks, Zoradi served as the president and COO of Dick Cook Studios, a new media and entertainment start-up company. During his 30-year career at Disney he served in a variety of executive positions including Home Entertainment, Disney Channel, Television, Worldwide Theatrical Distribution/Marketing, and as the President of the Motion Picture Group.
Warner joined Cinemark in 1996 as the president of Cinemark International and developed and established a successful theatrical exhibition operation in 14 countries. Warner has also served the exhibition industry as president and CEO of NATO of California/Nevada and as general chairman of NATO/ShoWest. He is a member of many industry groups and associations and is the recipient of numerous industry distinctions including the ShoWest 2000 International Exhibitor of the Year and the NATO/ShoWest 1989 Exhibitor of the Year.