It was with great sadness that the Association learnt yesterday of the passing of Lydia Pohani, one of the key figures in the world of screening advertising – and indeed UK exhibition – over the last 70 years.

Lydia joined the screen advertising agency Pearl and Dean back in 1955 and worked in and around the sector for over 60 years, only stepping back in recent times. Her energy and enthusiasm for our industry, in particular for the many smaller operators she worked with over the years, was legendary.

Lydia Pohani with David Williams MBE, WTW-Scott Cinemas.

In paying tribute to Lydia’s towering contribution to our industry, the Association can do no better than include the words of colleagues at Pearl and Dean below:

‘The Pearl & Dean family is deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beloved colleague and friend, Lydia Pohani.

Lydia joined Pearl & Dean in 1955 at just 16 years old and went on to spend the majority of her working life with the P&D family. Her connection to P&D, and to the cinema and screen advertising industry, spanned decades and generations.

To those who knew her, Lydia was far more than a colleague. She was kind, encouraging, endlessly enthusiastic and deeply committed to the people and the industry she loved. She built lasting friendships throughout her career and was held in enormous affection and respect by clients and colleagues alike. Her generosity of spirit, her support for industry causes, and her genuine warmth left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Lydia was truly one of a kind, and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her at this sad time.’