AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has named Adam M Aron as Chief Executive Officer and President and a member of the AMC Board of Directors, effective January 4, 2016. Aron, 61, joins AMC with more than 20 years of experience as a CEO, and more than 35 years of consumer-engagement experience at some of the nation’s leading hospitality and leisure companies.
He replaces Craig Ramsey, who has served as Interim CEO since August 2015, following the resignation of Gerry Lopez. Ramsey will remain AMC’s Chief Financial Officer, and will report directly to Aron.
Aron is currently Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. His career has included leadership of some of the world’s most notable brands including airlines, hotels, ski resorts, cruise lines and professional sports franchises. He also served as a Senior Operating Partner of Apollo Management L.P. from 2006-2015. Apollo previously was part of an investor group which owned the then privately-held AMC Theatres. From 2006 onwards, Aron also led World Leisure Partners, Inc., a personal consultancy he founded.
In addition to the Starwood Board, Aron currently serves on the Boards of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and the Philadelphia 76ers. Aron is expected to give up his seat on the Starwood Board upon joining AMC. He has an MBA with distinction from the Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree cum laude from Harvard College.
“Adam’s background in producing results at traditional, consumer-driven, entertainment businesses makes him the person best positioned to lead AMC into the future,” said Jack Gao, AMC Board Member and Executive Vice President of Wanda Movie Holding, which operates the Wanda Cinema Line in China and Hoyts Cinema in Australia. “Adam has demonstrated an ability to target capital investments, implement customer-focused innovations and organize his teams to drive incredible guest experiences that produce exceptional financial returns. We are confident that Adam’s diverse experience, vision and focus will continue to elevate AMC in its pursuit to be the guest-experience leader in the theatrical exhibition industry.”
“The Board acknowledges the outstanding job Craig has done in keeping AMC moving forward during this search,” said Gao. “Craig didn’t hesitate to step up and provide the steady hand of leadership during this transition period. His industry knowledge and the confidence and trust AMC associates have in Craig have been invaluable. Craig, Adam and the associates of AMC will make a formidable team in the industry.”
“This is an incredible opportunity to lead one of the most recognized and iconic brands in the entertainment industry,” said Aron. “AMC Theatres is at the forefront of developing customer-focused innovations at theatres across the country, such as plush recliner chairs and new sight and sound technology. Even so,
I believe we have the capacity to raise the bar even higher. In addition to further enhancing the movie-going experience at our theatres, of special interest is enriching AMC Stubs as a community for those who are fascinated by the allure of motion pictures. Having had the opportunity to lead teams elsewhere that have produced superior financial and customer results in other entertainment and hospitality industries, I am so excited now to lead the best team in the U.S. theatrical exhibition business. The opportunity to partner with other entities in the Wanda Group is also particularly intriguing. As a life-long movie fan myself, I am looking forward to winning with this team and amazing our guests.”