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Maya Cinemas North America, Inc., today announced the appointment of Jeremy P. Welman as Chief Operating Officer of Maya Cinemas. Welman has over three decades of experience and achievement in the motion picture exhibition industry.
Prior to joining Maya Cinemas, Welman served as COO of Cobb Theatres in Birmingham, Alabama, which had been one of the 10 highest grossing circuits in the United States prior to selling to CMX in 2017. In 2008, Cobb Theatres guided by Welman, raised the bar in movie exhibition with the launch of CineBistro, a boutique luxury dine-in cinema concept.
He began his movie theatre career with Edwards Theatres in Southern California as an usher while in high school and he went on to serve for 12 years in various management, operations and leadership positions, including General Manager of the Irvine Spectrum 21 & IMAX, the most successful and highest attended theater in America. His career also includes senior management roles with Crown Theatres and National Amusements.
In 2015 Welman was elected to the NATO Executive Board. He is also a member of International Council of Shopping Centers and National Association of Concessionaires.
Welman succeeds Frank Haffar who has elected to retire and has served with Maya since its founding and led the company as its COO and President throughout its growth. Haffar will have a continuing role in the growth of the company as a consultant for Maya Cinemas, overseeing and advising on the construction of future theater developments in various western states. Haffar’s exemplary history of theater management and construction includes over 90 theaters throughout the United States.
Founder and CEO, Moctesuma Esparza said, “I am very grateful for the 16 years Frank devoted to Maya Cinemas. His contribution was pivotal in our launch and ongoing success.” Esparza stated that, “Jeremy Welman is a worthy successor who brings a track record of innovation and success that will raise the bar for Maya Cinemas. We are all fortunate to have such an extraordinarily talented management team now led by Jeremy Welman.”
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