Tyneside Cinema has announced the appointment of three new members to its leadership team as it looks ahead to its delayed reopening.
The city centre favourite is focused on a summer relaunch and the new appointments are set to be key in the big relaunch plans.
The much-loved independent cinema is looking forward to a brighter future after a series of troubles which saw it at the centre of a sex abuse, bullying and harassment scandal, then hit by financial struggles during the pandemic.
Read more: Newcastle's Screen on the Green to make a summer comeback
In January, a flood scuppered hopes of an earlier opening from lockdown.
The new appointments will be joining Simon Drysdale, who has been at the helm of improvements at the cinema, who recently revealed its planned reopening date to be in July, on completion of repair work following the flood which saw water burst through the fourth-floor ceiling and cascade down the cinema's central staircase, causing widespread damage.
He took up his role of interim chief executive officer last year after former bosses stood down in the wake of the scandal and he has been busy implementing recommendations made in an independent review, which came in the wake of the complaints of a culture of harassing behaviour at the cinema.
He said: "I feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead the Tyneside Cinema team through a programme of reflection and fundamental change, including a reset of systems, culture and values.
“It has been important to address the issues of the past head-on and all my colleagues have done this with bravery and determination."
He said he is delighted about the new additions to the management team, adding that he has "full confidence they will play an integral part in the future success of the cinema".
Among the newcomers is Duncan Kerr, who becomes the cinema's new head of operations, having worked in management at Odeon and UCI cinemas for the past 20 years.
He said he jumped at the chance to join the venue and play "a part in restoring it to its former glory" and he added: “Cinema will bounce back in 2021 and the Tyneside will play a key role in this recovery.”
Dan Lauder, who also has had a long Odeon career including at the the Metrocentre and Darlington branches, is now operations manager at the Tyneside which he called "a crown jewel in the North East’s arts industry".
“It’s a venue close to my heart, and I’ll be giving my all to our guests and staff to ensure this cinema can be the wonderful and safe space that the North East deserves," he said.
The third appointment is Lori Casson who has the new role of 'people manager'.
It will be her job to establish a stronger and better Human Resources department and she will be drawing from her wealth of experience of working within human resources in retail management.
Already a member and Friend of Tyneside Cinema for many years, she says she feels privileged to be part of its future and to be effecting change.
Mr Drysdale said: “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Duncan, Dan and Lori to the management team and have full confidence they will play an integral part in the future success of the cinema.
“Tyneside Cinema has a special place in the hearts of people in Newcastle and the North East and the people who work here are passionate and highly skilled in what they do."
He added: “It is working with them, to offer a fantastic independent cinema experience to our customers and friends, that makes my role so rewarding.”
