The chief executive of upmarket cinema operator Everyman Media Group has resigned just weeks after the firm issued a stark warning over its sales and profits.
Leadership Shake-Up Follows Financial Pressure
Alex Scrimgeour, who had led the group for nearly five years since January 2021, has been replaced on an interim basis by non-executive director Farah Golant. The company stated she will lead with board support while a permanent successor is found.
This sudden departure comes hard on the heels of a profit alert issued in early December 2025, which saw Everyman's shares tumble to record lows. The group's finance director also resigned on 15 December, creating a significant leadership vacuum.
Box Office Slowdown Hits Performance
The chain, which operates 49 cinemas across the UK, blamed weaker-than-expected box office performance in the final quarter of the year, coupled with pressured consumer spending. It now expects sales of at least £114.5 million for the year to 1 January, down from previous guidance of £121.6 million. Underlying earnings are forecast to be at least £16.8 million, compared to the earlier £20 million estimate.
Chairman Philip Jacobson acknowledged Scrimgeour's role in steering the business through its post-Covid recovery, more than doubling revenue and delivering significant EBITDA growth. However, market analysts point to deeper issues.
Competition Erodes 'Differentiated' Edge
Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, noted that Everyman has faced intense pressure as larger rivals like Vue and Odeon have copied its signature offerings, such as reclining seats and in-cinema bars. "Scrimgeour declared Everyman to be a 'truly differentiated proposition' when he was appointed five years ago. Fast-forward to the present day, and that differentiation has gone up in smoke," he said.
Coatsworth also highlighted that Everyman's shares have plummeted by 76% over the past five years, and a weaker slate of film releases in 2025 exacerbated its challenges. The company has now begun an external search for a new permanent chief executive.
Interim boss Farah Golant brings over 30 years of experience in media and creative industries, including former leadership roles at Kyu Group, the Nike Foundation's Girl Effect, and All3Media.
