Steve Knibbs, the group managing director and deputy CEO of Vue International, is set to retire on 31 August, ending his 36-year career in the cinema industry. Knibbs, who has spent two decades at Vue International, having begun his cinema career at AMC Cinemas at The Point in Milton Keynes in 1987, then the United Kingdom’s first multiplex.

In his last interview Knibbs highlighted the significant changes the cinema industry has undergone, including the transition from 35mm film prints to digital projection, the rise of online platforms, and the expansion of amenities like recliner seats and food offerings. Knibbs also acknowledged the influential figures who shaped his professional trajectory and recognized the support and encouragement of Tim Richards, the CEO of Vue International.

Upon Knibbs’ retirement, Vue International has decided not to fill his role. Instead, Chief Operating Officer Claire Arksey will join the board, and the leadership team, recently restructured, will continue to guide the organization’s strategic and operational performance. Vue International, Europe’s largest privately owned cinema operator, operates across nine countries, with 226 sites and 1,990 screens. Knibbs’ departure marks the end of an era in the company and the industry, as he leaves behind a legacy of leadership, wisdom, and level-headed decision making.