The National Association of Theatre Owners is bestowing their Marquee Award next year on Cinemark President and CEO, Sean Gamble. The executive will receive the award at NATO‘s exhibitor-studio confab CinemaCon during the “State of the Industry” program on April 1, 2025.
NATO President and CEO Michael O’Leary said, “Sean is the perfect choice for the NATO Marquee Award. He is a pro-business, pro-consumer leader and is highly respected across the entire industry for his incredible business acumen, with a deep understanding of studio and exhibitor relations. Sean is always looking to the future, and in working with his amazing team at Cinemark, is driving the next generation of theatrical innovation. This award recognizes that leadership and his commitment to making movie theatres the premier entertainment experience for generations to come.”
Gamble said: “I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 NATO Marquee Award. This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our entire Cinemark team, both past and present. Together, we have embraced innovation, enhanced the moviegoing experience, and positioned our company for growth and success while navigating unprecedented challenges over the past few years. I am grateful to NATO for this prestigious award and remain confident that through our collaborative industry efforts cinemas will remain a preferred destination for premium out-of-home entertainment, bringing people together and enriching communities.”
Gamble was appointed as Cinemark President and CEO in January 2022. He oversaw the closure and reopening of the No. 3 circuit during Covid, has a been a proponent of the evolution of the theatrical window, and steered the chain during a time of reduced film supply due to the strikes and Covid. Additionally, he has been a key driver of Cinemark’s conversion to reclined seating, the expansion of premium technologies and food & beverage offerings, the ongoing enhancement of marketing and programming capabilities to increase moviegoing loyalty, as well as the introduction of the first U.S. exhibitor-owned monthly subscription program.
Prior to being named CEO, Gamble held multiple leadership roles of increasing responsibility within Cinemark, including CFO from 2014 to 2021, CFO and COO from 2018 to 2021, and President in 2021. Prior to joining Cinemark, he worked for the Comcast Corporation as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Universal Pictures within NBCUniversal from February 2009 to April 2014. He joined Comcast after 15 years at the General Electric Company where he held multiple senior leadership positions, including CFO of GE Oil & Gas’ equipment business based in Florence, Italy, from May 2007 to January 2009.
CinemaCon runs March 31-April 3, 2025, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.