The CEA has this week offered a huge vote of thanks to Barry Jenkins OBE, who is stepping down after an unprecedented 13 years as Chairman of the Association.
Barry, who was awarded his OBE for services to cinema in 2007, came to the CEA in 1999 having held a range of senior positions within the industry, including Managing Director of the Cannon Group (1986-1991), Managing Director of MGM Cinemas (1991-1993), Deputy Chairman of Odeon (2000-2001), as well as re-establishing ABC CInemas in 1996.
Since then Barry has not only Chaired the CEA, but has also since 2001 Chaired the industry charity Film Education and since 2002 Chaired the cross-industry body Cinema First (formerly All Industry Marketing).
Having become a Trustee of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF) in 2005, Barry is stepping down from his role at the CEA in readiness for his elevation to President of the CTBF in 2013.
Commenting on Barry’s incredible record of office, his immediate predecessor Stan Fishman CBE said:
“Looking back at the roll-call of Chairmen of the CEA since its establishment in 1912, you will see that most typically held the job for one or two years. I myself held the job for five years, which was unprecedented at the time. But when you consider that Barry has been willing consistently to devote so much time and energy into the Association for 13 years, you realise his level of loyalty and commitment.
While I know all at the CEA are sorry to see him step down, it is clear that the CTBF will be gaining a hugely-respected and influential new President in 2013.”
CEA Chief Executive Phil Clapp added:
“Barry has – during all of my time at the CEA and before – been a constant and trusted source of support and advice for cinema operators big and small. To be able unfailingly to command the respect and represent the interests of every part of such a diverse industry is a measure of the man.”
The CEA will make an announcement on its Chairmanship in 2013.