@GrandCinemasUAE GRAND CINEMAS NEWLY APPOINTED CEO TO SPEARHEAD EXPANSION WITH 66 NEW SCREENS

Debbie Stanford Kristiansen pledges five-star service across the Middle East.

Gulf Film announced today that Debbie Stanford Kristiansen has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Grand Cinemas, the largest chain of theatres in the Middle East. The announcement comes as Grand Cinemas launches the next phase in its ongoing regional expansion, beginning with 66 new screens and three IMAX theatre systems to be unveiled by 2014.

Ms Kristiansen brings to the role 25 years of experience in the venue management, exhibitions and events sectors, having served as VP Global Sales for Regent Exhibitions - IMEX Frankfurt, Chief Executive of Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority and CEO of events@Bahrain.

Ms Kristiansen said: “These are exciting times for the cinema industry as theatre concepts and technologies continue to advance around the world. Grand Cinemas has a long history of pioneering these advances in the region, and I look forward to leading the company into the next era of its ambitious expansion. To movie-goers, I renew our promise of the ultimate cinema experience with a comprehensive drive to bring the ultimate five-star service to patrons throughout the Middle East.”

Debbie Stanford Kristiansen CEO Grand Cinemas

Acquired in 2012 by Qatar Media Services (q.media) as part of the Gulf Film Group, Grand Cinemas operates 101 screens in the UAE and Jordan. The company’s expansion plans will see four new theatres launched within the next year, in Abu Dhabi’s World Trade Centre and Dubai’s Dragon Mart, as well as flagship cinemas in The Pearl-Doha, Qatar, and Muharraq Mall, Bahrain. Earlier this quarter, Gulf Film also revealed joint plans with IMAX Corporation to introduce three new IMAX screens in the Middle East, to be located in Qatar (The Pearl), Bahrain (Muharraq Mall) and an existing multiplex in Dubai.

“We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Kristiansen as CEO of Grand Cinemas,” said Jaber Al Ansari, Managing Director, Gulf Film. “In 2014, not only will we further expand our presence in the thriving UAE market, but will also extend our brand of premium film entertainment to new shores. We are confident that Ms Kristiansen will harness her expertise, drive and dedication to maximum impact at this pivotal time in the company’s evolution.”