In a ringing endorsement of his rule, Cinema United hasextended the contract of CEO-president Michael OLeary for an additional five years.

As the largest global trade organization of movie theater owners, Cinema United plays a critical role in advocating for the interests of the theatrical experience. Its members represent more than 67,000 screens across the United States and world. (The top lobbying org was known for decades as the National Association of Theatre Owners). It also administers the movie ratings system in conjunction with the MPA. OLearys contract extension was approved unanimously by the orgs executive board at their meeting in Los Angeles last week.

He joined the organization in 2023, succeeding longtime head John Fithian. OLeary was tapped for his broad experience in government affairs, lobbying and entertainment. He previously served in senior positions at The Entertainment Software Association, 21st Century Fox, the Motion Picture Association, on Capitol Hill and at the Department of Justice.

Michael has proven to be a tireless and passionate advocate for the exhibition industry, Mike Bowers, Cinema United board chair and CEO of Harkins Theatres, said in a statement. Leveraging his broad experience in the motion picture industry as well asonCapitol Hill, Michaels 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 excitingopportunitiesfor our industry.

Along with opportunity, exhibitors also face plenty of risk. Moviegoing has never returned to pre-pandemic levels, putting tremendous strain on cinema owners. The historic labor strikes were another blow; the slowdown in the number of movies being released continues to this day.

OLearyis lauded fortrying to change the narrative ny promoting andamplifying thepositiveeconomic and cultural impact of movie theatres in cities and towns around the world.Cinema United recently releasedareport highlighting that the domestic industryalonespent over $1.5 billion on theatre re-investment in just the past twelve months.

Exhibitions commitment to creating the Next Great Era of Cinema will be on display next springat their annual global convention CinemaCon where Innovation and Experiences will be theprimarytheme.

Also this year,OLeary oversawtheswitch in the orgs name to Cinema United (for years it was confused with the other NATO).

Representing the great peoplewhoown and operate theatres 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,OLeary said in a statement.I want to thankChairmanMike Bowers,outgoing ChairBob Bagby and the entire Cinema United Executive Boardfor this opportunity. I also want to thankmydedicatedcolleagues at Cinema United. Our success is a direct result of their hard work andcreativity, and I am excited tocontinue our work supporting and advocating on behalf of this industry.

Founded in 1948, the org represents more than 33,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, and 30,000 screens in 81 other countries. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the mega circuits to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world.