Vue Hires Chief Information Officer & General Manager In The Netherlands

EXCLUSIVE: International cinema chain Vue has hired Ismar Matagic, former technology chief at Pret A Manger, as its new Chief Information Officer, and tapped former Europarcs head Joost Ligthart as its chief in Holland. 

The company said today that Matagic will be responsible for “information technology and systems” across the cinema group. Before his position at Pret A Manger, Ismar held senior roles at John Lewis as both head of insight and head of technology. He will join Vue on September 9 and report to Vue CEO and founder Tim Richards. 

“I am delighted to be welcoming Ismar to Vue, whose amazing experience comes at the perfect time for our business,” Richards said of Matagic. “2024 is very much a foundational year for us as we continue to refurbish, recline, and expand our estate, investing in our digital toolset, accelerating our distribution plans, and developing our AI scheduling capabilities.  Ismar’s arrival will help ensure we’re well-placed and ready for future growth as well as the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Ligthart was Director of Operations at EuroParcs, where he was responsible for the company’s holiday resorts in the Benelux. Before that, Ligthart was Director of Operations at JVH gaming and entertainment. He also held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Fitland Groep. Ligthart will join Vue on 19 August and report to Matt Eyre, Chief Operating Officer. His official job title is Netherlands Territory General Manager. 

Speaking on Ligthart, Richards said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Joost to Vue as we continue to invest in the Netherlands to provide our customers with the very best in seat, screen and sound.  We now have 20 Dutch sites including our newly refurbished theatres in Enschede and Gorinchem, and will be opening a new 12-screen flagship site in Amsterdam next year, complete with our recliners and state-of-the-art foyer.  Joost’s extensive experience will help ensure our business in the Netherlands is well-placed for the future.”

Vue’s wider senior leadership team includes Alison Cornwell, Chief Financial Officer; Matt Eyre, Chief Operating Officer; Shona Gold, Executive Director of Brand, Marketing, and PR; Otto Turton, Chief Commercial Officer; Ramneet Bassi, Chief Strategy Officer; Dee Vassili, Chief People Officer; Euan Sutton, General Counsel; and Geoff Moore, Chief Investment and Property Officer.