Paul Bronfman, senior advisor and co-chairman of Canadian movie rental giant William F. White International, is preparing to step down from his position after selling the company to the UK’s Ashtead Group in 2019. The sale included Sunbelt Rentals, and Bronfman’s departure will be effective August 31, 2023. Brendan Horgen, CEO of Sunbelt Rentals, announced Bronfman’s departure in an internal memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
Bronfman’s tenure at William F. White spanned 34 years, during which he provided vision, leadership, and engagement within the company and the broader industry. White’s customers include major Hollywood studios such as Warner Bros., Walt Disney, Universal Studios, MGM, and Lionsgate, as well as players in Silicon Valley like Amazon Prime and Apple. As these companies shift their focus to the TV streaming space and require original content, William F. White plays a crucial role in providing the necessary equipment and services.
After stepping down from his position at William F. White, Bronfman will assume the role of chairman emeritus. Additionally, he will join former Bell Media CEO Randy Lennox as a senior advisor to Pinewood Toronto Studios. This move follows Pinewood Group’s recent acquisition of full ownership of Pinewood Toronto Studios. Bronfman, who has been a founding shareholder and chairman of Pinewood Toronto Studios since 2009, sold his minority stake to the Pinewood Group, led by Paul Golding.
Randy Lennox, also a former Bell Media CEO, has sold his controlling stake in Pinewood Toronto Studios to the Pinewood Group as part of a broader acquisition that granted full ownership to the UK parent company. Both Bronfman and Lennox will provide guidance and advice to Golding and the Pinewood Group as they navigate the industry landscape, taking into account the ongoing Hollywood actors and writers strike and the potential return of major studios and streaming platforms to Ontario, attracted by currency savings, generous tax incentives, and new filming stages.
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In a letter from Sunbelt Rentals CEO Brendan Horgan, he expressed his appreciation and recognition for Bronfman’s contributions over the years. Horgan acknowledged Bronfman’s decision to pass on the torch to the existing leadership team, noting that while it was a difficult choice for Bronfman, he believes everyone must eventually step aside to allow the next generation the opportunity to lead. Horgan concluded the letter by wishing Bronfman well in his future endeavors and expressing gratitude for his ongoing support as Chairman Emeritus of William F. White.
Overall, Bronfman’s departure marks the end of an era for William F. White International, but his impact on the company and the industry as a whole will be remembered. As the company transitions to new leadership, it will continue to serve its prestigious clientele and adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, Bronfman’s role as a senior advisor to Pinewood Toronto Studios will ensure his expertise and guidance are applied to the future success of the studio and its endeavors in Ontario.
