Imax chief executiveCEO Rich Gelfond is on a temporary medical leave of absence as he undergoes treatment for pneumonia, the company said today. He will not be participating in any public or private events for the company as he receives medical care.
Imax said he is progressing in his recovery and, consistent with its operating plan in the event of Gelfond’s temporary absence, senior executives are executing their day-to-day responsibilities in coordination with each other and board chairman Darren Throop, with regular communication with the full board of directors.
Gelfond, 70, joined Imax in 1994 as co-chairman, taking on the CEO role in 2009.
The company’s senior exec team includes CFO Natasha Fernandes; Chief Marketing Officer Anne Globe; Chief Legal Officer Rob Lister; and Mark Welton, President, Imax Theaters.
Imax said it put out the news in order to “provide transparency and ensure that there is no speculation arising out of Mr. Gelfond not appearing at the company’s upcoming events, including next week’s industry conferences. 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.”
CinemaCon, the movie industry trade show where Imax has enjoyed a higher profile of late due to its equipment and auditoriums driving significant box office, starts April 13 in Las Vegas.
“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,” Throop said in a statement. “We are all wishing Rich well and a full and speedy recovery.”