Ellis Jacob, who’s been leading Cineplex, a significant Canadian film exhibition company, as both president and CEO, has declared his intention to step down by the year-end in 2026.
Following careful contemplation, I am excited to embark on the next phase. For many years, my efforts have been dedicated to shaping Cineplex into a renowned Canadian corporation, and I proceed with great satisfaction knowing the legacy we’ve created for Canadian movie enthusiasts who find their moments of enchantment in our cinemas,” Ellis expressed in a statement on Friday.
Prior to the establishment of Cineplex Entertainment in 2005, following the acquisition of Famous Players, Jacob had been serving as president and CEO at Cineplex Galaxy. He began his entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Galaxy Entertainment in 1999. Previously, he worked as a consultant for Alliance Atlantis Communications.
From 1987 through 1998, I was fortunate enough to serve in various roles at Cineplex Odeon, culminating as their COO. My tenure there also fostered strong connections with significant Hollywood studios, given our position as major suppliers of tentpole films for the 172 movie theaters and entertainment venues within the Canadian Cineplex network I was part of.
As a dedicated supporter, I’m fully invested in collaborating with the board and the gifted crew at Cineplex throughout this transitional phase. I wholeheartedly believe in Cineplex’s promising future.
In 2020, Jacob’s departure from Cineplex was delayed due to the cancellation of a proposed $2.1 billion acquisition by Regal Cinemas’ owner, Cineworld. This takeover was halted as the coronavirus pandemic forced many movie theaters worldwide, including major exhibitors like Cineplex, to close their doors temporarily.
After the pandemic hit and the management at Cineplex faced its consequences, as well as subsequent supply disruptions due to the 2023 Hollywood actors and writers’ strikes, they had to take necessary steps to ensure their survival. More recently, they have benefited from the recovery of the box office industry, which has helped them regain their financial stability.
It was Jacob who strongly advocated for the traditional cinema experience, as the big Hollywood studios discussed reducing the time between theater release and moving directly to their developing streaming services during the pandemic.
By December 31, 2026, Jacob will continue to serve as the head of Canada’s largest exhibitor, helping facilitate a smooth transition to new leadership. The board is pleased to acknowledge Ellis, who has transformed Cineplex Inc. into one of the top global operators of movie theaters and family entertainment centers over the past four decades, according to a statement from board chair Phyllis Yaffe.
In 2025, Jacob was bestowed with a tribute award at the Canadian Screen Awards, acknowledging his trailblazing role in the industry. A year earlier, in 2022, the National Association of Theatre Owners honored him with the 2022 NATO Marquee Award at CinemaCon, recognizing his significant contributions.
He has also received the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, top Canadian civic awards.
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2025-06-27 16:24