Imax CEO Richard Gelfond is taking a temporary medial leave of absence as he undergoes treatment for pneumonia.
He will not be participating in any public or private events for the company, including April’s industry gathering CinemaCon in Las Vegas, while he receives medical care and recovers. The company issued a statement to “provide transparency and ensure that there is no speculation arising out of his [absence],” adding that “out of respect for Mr. Gelfond’s privacy as he is being treated, Imax will not provide further comment at this time, but will provide updates as appropriate.”
During Gelfond’s absence, Imax’s senior team is executing their day-to-day responsibilities in coordination with each other and board chair Darren Throop. They’re also in regular communication with the full board of directors. Among the senior executives are Natasha Fernandes, executive VP and chief financial officer; Anne Globe, chief marketing officer; Rob Lister, senior executive VP and chief legal officer and Mark Welton, president of Imax Theatres.
“We have a strong, deeply experienced senior executive team who are fully engaged, providing regular updates to the board, and remain focused as always on the continued growth and success of Imax,” said Throop. “We are all wishing Rich well and a full and speedy recovery.”
Imax set a new record in 2025, grossing $1.2 billion at the global box office thanks to blockbusters like “F1,” “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Sinners.” Looking ahead, Imax is targeting a bigger benchmark of $1.4 billion in 2026 as tentpoles including Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Three” and “The Mandalorian and Grogu” gear up for release.
From Variety US
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