Celebration Cinemas Chief Named NATO Chairman

John D. Loeks, CEO of Celebration! Cinemas, has been elected chairman of the National Association of Theatre Owners.

He takes the helm at the exhibition industry trade group at a time when theaters are being challenged by digital forms of entertainment and studios are exploring alternative distribution platforms and strategies. His ascension also comes during a period of robust ticket sales, with some industry analysts expecting that the domestic box office will pass $11 billion for the first time in history.

Loeks replaces outgoing chairman David Passman, the chief of Carmike Cinemas, as head of the board of directors. His term lasts two years.

Celebration! is a Grand Rapids, Mich., based chain with 156 screens across a dozen sites in the state.

In addition, Amy E. Miles, CEO of Regal Entertainment Group, was re-elected as vice-chairwoman; Byron Berkley, president of Foothills Entertainment Co., was re-elected as treasurer; and Jeff Logan, president of Logan Luxury Theatres, was elected as secretary. Logan replaces George Solomon of Southern Theatres.

(Photo, L-R: Byron Berkley, Amy E. Miles, John D. Loeks, Jeff Logan)

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