After announcing its foray into India operation, the Mexico-based entertainment giant Cinépolis has roped in Ashish Shukla, former head – infrastructure and development of Bharti Retail as head of exhibition – Cinépolis, according to a company press release.
Speaking on this development, Milan Saini, MD and Country Head, Cinepolis India, said, “Ashish brings on board an extensive experience in film exhibition and real estate. We look forward to his contributions in helping adapt our novel and innovative multiplex theater concepts to the Indian environment.”
Prior to Bharti, Ashish was chief executive, PVR Cinemas and has served for over 10 years in the company.
In an earlier announcment about its India entry, Cinépolis revealed its plan to open around 500 screens in the next seven years. According to the company, it will commence operation by the second half of 2009 and around 110 screens are on the pipeline to open across eight cities in India.
Cinépolis currently operates more than 2,000 screens in six countries including Salvador, Guatemala and Costa Rica. The company operates its screens under four different brands that span across the ultra premium to the extreme value segments. In Mexico, Cinépolis operates 22 theaters, added the release.
— IndiaRetailing Bureau