Everyman’s chief executive is stepping down from the upmarket cinema chain which has been hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Everyman Media Group said Crispin Lilly has tendered his resignation after almost six years as chief executive, “in order to pursue personal interests”.
Lilly will step down from the board with immediate effect, but has agreed to stay at the company, known for its sofa seating and wine and food menus, until the end of September to conduct an orderly handover.
The departure plan comes at a time when the cinema sector is trying to bounce back after severe disruption from the coronavirus crisis. Venues in England had to close in March for the lockdown and could only reopen from July, with social distancing measures in place.
Cinema owners have also seen a number of film releases delayed since the coronavirus outbreak.
Everyman in late July said that current trading had “inevitably been soft”, but pointed to encouraging numbers of customers returning. It has implemented screens at bars, and seating plans have been revised to leave more space between film fans.
Lilly today said: “I believe I will leave Everyman in both a strong place to continue to weather the effects of Covid-19 and well-placed to secure significant growth opportunities in the future.”
Prior to joining Everyman Lilly worked at a number of other companies in the sector, including Cineworld.
Everyman’s Wise said Lilly has helped the grow the estate from 10 venues to 35: “He leaves the business well placed and with a strong leadership team capable of continuing the recovery and restoring the business back to growth.”
Read more
Everyman cinema firm to start showing films again from July