Patrick Corcoran, who has been a vice president at the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) for the past 24 years, is stepping down from his role, according to the trade group. This news comes as NATO undergoes a series of leadership changes, with CEO Michael O’Leary taking the top role in May. O’Leary expressed his gratitude for Corcoran’s contributions to NATO, stating that he played a crucial part in the organization’s growth and has served the exhibition industry with dedication. O’Leary wished Corcoran the best in his future endeavors.
NATO is known for hosting the annual theater owners conference CinemaCon in Las Vegas, as well as tracking industry data and advocating for exhibitors to lawmakers. The organization also launched a non-profit called The Cinema Foundation in 2022, which recently released its first “State of the Cinema Industry” report in March. This report provided insights into the top 50 exhibitors domestically.
Corcoran joined NATO in 1998 as a writer and editor for the organization’s in-house publication. In 2011, he was appointed as vice president and chief communications officer. Reflecting on his time at NATO, Corcoran expressed how privileged he felt to serve as the voice of an industry he loves. He emphasized the importance of approaching industry challenges and opportunities with honesty, data, openness, and respect for journalists who cover the industry.
Corcoran’s departure follows another significant leadership change at NATO, with John Fithian, the former chief of the organization, leaving in April after more than three decades. During his farewell address at CinemaCon, Fithian raised concerns about the sustainability of releasing major films with large budgets directly to streaming platforms. He stressed that this business model does not provide a sufficient return on investment, echoing the concerns of theater owners. This sentiment has become a rallying cry for industry professionals in recent years.
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NATO plays a crucial role in supporting the exhibition industry by advocating for its interests in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. The organization’s annual CinemaCon serves as an important forum for theater owners to connect, network, and learn about the latest developments and trends in the industry. Additionally, NATO’s data tracking efforts, such as monitoring average movie ticket prices, provide valuable insights to industry stakeholders.
In conclusion, Patrick Corcoran’s departure from his role as vice president at NATO marks a significant change in the organization’s leadership. His contributions to NATO over the past 24 years have been instrumental in driving the organization’s growth and promoting the exhibition industry. With NATO’s CEO Michael O’Leary at the helm, the organization will continue its mission to support theater owners, advocate for the industry, and provide valuable insights through data tracking.
