Vue, Europe's prominent theater giant, has made a notable hire by appointing seasoned cinema veteran Matt Eyre as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He steps into this role, succeeding Claire Arksey, who recently stepped down from Vue. With over 35 years of experience overseeing operations for major cinema chains globally, Eyre brings extensive operational and industry expertise to Vue.
Having spent 19 years at Cineworld, Eyre's most recent role was Chief Operating Officer for Regal across 500 sites across 50 states in the U.S. after Cineworld's acquisition of the company in 2017. His wealth of experience positions him well to take charge of all cinema operations across Vue, the largest privately owned cinema operator in Europe. Tim Richards, Vue's Founder and CEO, expressed his excitement about Eyre joining the team, emphasizing Eyre's reputation as one of the most respected cinema operators globally.
Starting his career at Warner Bros., Eyre oversaw operations across 237 locations and 10 countries during his 16-year tenure. His journey continued as he became the co-CEO of the Mann Theatres chain in California, showcasing his leadership skills and operational acumen. Eyre's appointment is strategic, aligning with Vue's growth plans and reinforcing its position as Europe's leading cinema operator.
In addition to the executive shuffle, Vue recently received unanimous consent from lenders and shareholders for a recapitalization, injecting $62 million into the business. This move comes amid challenges posed by the 2023 writers' and actors' strikes, leading to delays in major film releases. Vue's second debt-for-equity swap in 18 months, set to be completed later this month, aims to provide a robust capital structure for the future.
As Eyre assumes his role on March 25, 2024, the industry watches closely to see how his extensive experience will contribute to Vue's continued growth and commitment to delivering an unparalleled big-screen experience. The company looks forward to leveraging Eyre's expertise as it navigates a dynamic entertainment landscape and adapts to evolving consumer preferences.