Pablo Billard, a 14-year-veteran of the global exhibition giant Cinépolis, is returning to his native Brazil to take over as president of the company’s Brazilian operations. He will start 1 July 2024, taking over for the departing Luiz Gonzaga de Luca. This same position at Cinépolis was once held by Eduardo Acuna, before he was promoted to oversee all of the Americas for the company, on his way to being named CEO of Cineworld.

Billard was the operations director of Cinépolis Brasil for 12 years, until he accepted a position as CEO of Cinépolis Indonesia. He hopes to take the experience he gained in the Asian market back to Brazil, especially in regards to local content.

“The biggest difference we have in Indonesia is the strength of local films,” Billard told Portal Exibidor, while in the midst of the transition. “I take from here how local films can help and the importance of local content when it exists, when there are good productions and when they are well received by the public, it can make all the difference.” Local titles can account for upwards of 70% of Indonesia’s box office in some years.