Former Paramount Exec Andrew Cripps Joins Imax to Grow Global Network

TORONTO - Former Paramount Pictures International exec Andrew Cripps has joined Imax Corp. to grow its theater network internationally.

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Cripps becomes president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, charged with expanding the giant screen exhibitor’s theater network in those regions.

He was also named executive VP of Imax, after serving as president of London-based Paramount Pictures International since January 2007.

"He (Cripps) is one of the most well-respected and creative entertainment executives in Europe, and his strategic knowledge and relationships within the international exhibition and film industry are a perfect fit for accelerating our growth efforts in EMEA,” Greg Foster, chairman and president of Imax Filmed Entertainment, said Wednesday in a statement.

Cripps will also be eyeing possible local language films that can be digitally remastered into the Imax format, or distributed in its theater network.

Before Paramount Pictures International, Cripps was president and COO of UIP, a joint venture distribution company between Paramount and Universal that he initially joined in 1986.

His appointment comes ahead of Imax releasing its fourth quarter results on Thursday.