Steve Knibbs, Chief Operating Officer Vue International, has been announced as the recipient of the coveted 2017 Exhibition Achievement Award, sponsored by the UK Cinema Association.
Steve has over 30 years’ experience in the cinema industry. He joined AMC in 1987 and pioneered multiplex operations in the United Kingdom, with the first ever purpose built multiplex opening in Europe in 1985 which saw a step-change for the industry.
His positions included Operations Director and Managing Director of the UK business during a time when AMC was acquired by Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios and renamed United Cinemas International (UCI) in 1989. In 1999 Steve became Senior Vice President of Northern Europe for UCI, overseeing operations in more mature markets such as the UK, Ireland and Germany, alongside emerging markets Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary.
Steve was also the first cinema exhibition executive to be appointed to the Board of the prestigious UK Film Council from 2002 to 2010.
In 2003 Steve left UCI to join Tim Richards and Alan McNair, forming Vue's Executive Team. Steve has been instrumental in helping the company grow from 38 sites in the UK to become one of the world’s leading international cinema operators today, managing 212 sites and 1,902 screens across ten countries.
Welcoming the award, Phil Clapp, CEO of the UK Cinema Association commented:
“ There is no one working in the UK cinema industry today more deserving of this award than Steve. His dedication to our industry over the last three decades is unsurpassed, and his insight into the sector is respected by all. During a period of considerable commercial success, Steve has remained unfailingly generous in his willingness to share his experience to the benefit of the wider industry.”
Managing the most respected brands in major European markets and Taiwan, Steve remains instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the business as the company continues with its ambitious international growth plans.
The 2017 Exhibition Achievement Award will be presented at The Screen Awards on November 30th 2017.
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