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Australia's leading cinema company Hoyts has promoted Stephanie Mills to the newly created position of managing director in a move the group says reflects her passion for and experience in the cinema sector.
Mills has been promoted from director of sales, marketing and content at Hoyts Group, where she oversaw the company's commercial and content strategy.
Hoyts says Mills brings more than 20 years of experience in the Australian cinema and entertainment industry to the role, including more than a decade at Reading Entertainment Australia.
"Stephanie has been a standout performer in Hoyts’ ascendancy in recent years to the number one exhibitor in Australia," says Hoyts CEO Damian Keogh.
"She has great passion and experience in the cinema sector and is recognised as a global leader in the field.
"This new role will focus bringing together areas of the business into a more cohesive team to deliver the best possible customer experience in our cinemas."
Mills also serves as a director of Creative Content Australia, supporting the screen industry's efforts to promote copyright awareness, legal content consumption, and the sustainability of Australia's film and television sector.
She is also a director of Cinema Association Australasia, the peak industry body representing major and independent cinema operators across Australia and New Zealand.
“Cinema remains one of the most powerful and engaging entertainment experiences," says Mills, adding that she is taking on the new role at Hoyts at a "exciting time" for the industry.
"We have a great business, incredible people and a real opportunity to continue evolving the experience we deliver to our guests.
"I'm looking forward to working with our internal teams, industry partners, and stakeholders to build on our strengths and drive the next phase of growth for Hoyts."
The appointment comes as the Australian cinema sector navigates a competitive landscape shaped by streaming platforms and shifting consumer habits, with major exhibitors investing in premium formats and enhanced in-venue experiences to drive attendance.
However, recent data showed that Australian cinemas posted their strongest May on record, with box office sales hitting $119 million during the month - 26 per cent above the previous May benchmark set in 2019.
Hoyts is the largest single-brand movie exhibitor in Australia and New Zealand with more than 500 screens and over 59,000 seats across its network.
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