Brands
Imax & Vox Cinemas partner for three theaters in the Middle East
MUMBAI: Imax Corporation and Middle East exhibitor Vox Cinemas have inked an agreement for three Imax theatres to be added to Vox locations throughout the region.
Imax theatres will be added to existing complexes in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and in Beirut, Lebanon, marking Imax’s entry into that country. In addition, Imax’s next-generation digital laser projection system will be launched as part of a completely new development of their flagship Vox Cinema, located within the landmark Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, UAE.
“Moviegoers in the Middle East want only the best cinema technology and movie watching experiences when visiting our cinemas and Imax is a brand that is regarded as the best among our guests in the region. Our commitment to delivering a customer-focused cinema experience is a perfect fit with Imax’s cutting-edge technology and blockbuster film slate. As we continue to expand our circuit throughout the Middle East, Imax will serve as an anchor attraction that we are confident will be embraced by our guests,” said Vox Cinemas CEO Cameron Mitchell.
“Since 2001, we have grown from two Imax theatres in the Middle East to 15 theatres today and we expect our network growth to accelerate over the next few years. Today’s agreement builds on this momentum and is strategic on many fronts. Not only are we welcoming a new, world-class exhibitor to our business in the Middle East, entering a new market and signing our first laser commitment in the UAE, we are doing so with a partner whose growth plans in the region mirror our own. I believe our collective strengths will expand the reach of The Imax Experience throughout the Middle East and support our mutual growth efforts,” added Imax EMEA president Andrew Cripps.
Brands
Samsung India mobile chief quits after 18 years
Raju Antony Pullan’s exit leaves a gaping hole at the top as Chinese rivals tighten their grip
GURGAON: Raju Antony Pullan has had enough. The senior vice-president and head of Samsung India’s mobile phone business has put in his papers after 18 years at the Korean giant, a tenure long enough to have watched the company stride to the top of India’s smartphone market and then stumble, badly, as Chinese upstarts muscled in.
Pullan, who ran sales, marketing and every last function of the smartphone business, tendered his resignation on Thursday and is currently serving out his notice period. Samsung has not named a successor. It has a second line of leadership waiting in the wings, Aditya Babbar and Hiren Rathod among them, but no decision has been made on who steps up.
The timing is awkward. Samsung has been haemorrhaging market share to Chinese brands and now clings to a top-two position only in the premium segment, where it scraps it out with Apple. Losing the man who stewarded the mobile business through its best and worst years hardly helps steady the ship.
A company that once owned India’s smartphone market is now fighting to stay relevant in it. Pullan’s departure is less a footnote than a flashing red light.
