Sean Gamble Honored with 2025 NATO Marquee Award at CinemaCon

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) has announced that Sean Gamble, President and CEO of Cinemark, will be honored with the 2025 NATO Marquee Award. This prestigious recognition will be presented during CinemaCon, the premier global event for theatrical exhibition, held March 31–April 3, 2025, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Gamble will accept the award as part of CinemaCon's “State of the Industry” program on Tuesday, April 1.

Gamble is being celebrated for his outstanding dedication and service to the motion picture theater industry. Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of NATO, praised Gamble's contributions, stating, “Sean is the ideal recipient of the NATO Marquee Award. His pro-business, pro-consumer leadership is matched by his exceptional business acumen and deep understanding of studio-exhibitor relationships. Sean’s forward-thinking approach and his commitment to driving the next generation of theatrical innovation make him a leader who is shaping the future of the moviegoing experience. This award is a reflection of his visionary leadership and dedication to ensuring theaters remain the premier entertainment destination for generations to come.”

“I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 NATO Marquee Award. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our Cinemark team, past and present. Together, we’ve embraced innovation, elevated the moviegoing experience, and navigated unprecedented challenges to position our company for continued success. I’m grateful to NATO for this incredible honor and remain confident that, through collaboration across our industry, cinemas will continue to thrive as a premier destination for out-of-home entertainment, bringing people together and enriching communities worldwide,” said Gamble expressing his gratitude about the news.

Since stepping into the role of President and CEO of Cinemark in January 2022, Sean Gamble has provided steady and visionary leadership through a period of significant industry change. His tenure has encompassed pivotal challenges, including the closure and subsequent reopening of Cinemark’s entire theater circuit during the COVID-19 pandemic, adjustments to the evolving theatrical release model, and managing reduced film output due to pandemic-related and strike-induced production halts.

Gamble has also been instrumental in driving Cinemark’s global business advancements. His initiatives include transitioning theaters to reclined seating, expanding premium technologies and enhancing food and beverage offerings, boosting marketing and programming capabilities to foster loyalty and attendance, introducing the first U.S. exhibitor-owned monthly subscription program, and streamlining operations and workforce management for improved efficiency.

As an active member of NATO, Gamble is a dedicated advocate for the moviegoing experience. He has cultivated strong partnerships with established and emerging studios, aiming to maximize box office returns for both traditional and alternative content releases. Prior to joining Cinemark, Gamble served as Executive Vice President and CFO of Universal Pictures at NBCUniversal (2009–2014) and spent 15 years at General Electric, where he held key leadership positions, including CFO of GE Oil & Gas’ equipment division in Florence, Italy.