The chief executive of upmarket cinema chain Everyman Media Group has resigned with immediate effect, just weeks after the company issued a stark warning over its sales and profits.
Leadership Change Follows Box Office Slump
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 board stated that Golant will lead the company, with support from the existing management team, while a permanent successor is sought.
This sudden departure comes directly after a profit alert issued in early December 2025, which sent the company's shares tumbling to record lows. The chain, which operates 49 cinemas across the UK, blamed weaker-than-expected box office performance in the crucial fourth quarter and ongoing pressure on consumer spending.
Revised Financial Guidance Signals Challenges
In its update to shareholders, Everyman slashed its financial forecasts. The group now expects sales of at least £114.5 million for the year to 1 January, down from previous guidance of £121.6 million. More significantly, underlying earnings are projected to be at least £16.8 million, a sharp drop from the £20 million previously anticipated.
Philip Jacobson, Chairman of Everyman, paid tribute to Scrimgeour's tenure. "We would like to thank Alex for his commitment to Everyman throughout his tenure," he said. "He has played a pivotal role in the team that successfully led the business through its recovery from Covid, more than doubling revenue and delivering significant EBITDA growth."
Interim CEO Brings Media and Entertainment Expertise
The board has turned to Farah Golant to steer the company through this challenging period. Chairman Jacobson highlighted her "extensive experience across the global creative, entertainment and media industries," as well as a proven track record in driving growth and building high-performance organisations.
Scrimgeour's exit marks a swift reversal for the boutique cinema operator, which had previously reported strong growth following the pandemic. His departure underscores the ongoing pressures facing the leisure and entertainment sector as it contends with fluctuating consumer demand and a constrained film release schedule.
