Cinema United president-CEO Michael O'Leary. Bryan Steffy/Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment In a ringing endorsement of his rule, Cinema United has extended the contract of CEO-president Michael O'Leary 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. Related Stories Movies 2025 Tribeca Festival Untold Stories Winner Sets Cast Including Anna Sargent, Ali Ahn, Victor Slezak (Exclusive) Business This Deep-Pocketed New Studio Aims to Bring GenAI Filmmaking and VFX to Legacy Media O'Leary's contract extension was approved unanimously by the org's executive board at their meeting in Los Angeles last week. He joined the organization in 2023, succeeding longtime head John Fithian. O'Leary 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 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." 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. O'Leary is lauded for trying to change the narrative ny promoting and amplifying the positive economic and cultural impact of movie theatres in cities and towns around the world. Cinema United recently released a report highlighting that the domestic industry alone spent over $1.5 billion on theatre re-investment in just the past twelve months. Exhibition's commitment to creating the Next Great Era of Cinema will be on display next spring at their annual global convention CinemaCon where "Innovation and Experiences" will be the primary theme. Also this year, O'Leary oversaw the switch in the org's name to Cinema United (for years it was confused with the other NATO). "Representing the great people who own 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," O'Leary said in a statement. "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." 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. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Erik Feig Erik Feig Launches New Production Banner With Major Saudi Backing VFX This Deep-Pocketed New Studio Aims to Bring GenAI Filmmaking and VFX to Legacy Media wasserman Shareef O'Neal, Son of Shaq, Signs With Wasserman Podcasts Red Seat Ventures Hires Rena Ayer as Senior VP of Content & Talent Partnerships social media Instagram Takes a Cue From the MPA: Teen Accounts Now Guided By PG-13 Rating SAG-AFTRA SAG-AFTRA Gets In the Verticals Game Erik Feig Erik Feig Launches New Production Banner With Major Saudi Backing VFX This Deep-Pocketed New Studio Aims to Bring GenAI Filmmaking and VFX to Legacy Media wasserman Shareef O'Neal, Son of Shaq, Signs With Wasserman Podcasts Red Seat Ventures Hires Rena Ayer as Senior VP of Content & Talent Partnerships social media Instagram Takes a Cue From the MPA: Teen Accounts Now Guided By PG-13 Rating SAG-AFTRA SAG-AFTRA Gets In the Verticals Game