Posted: Thu., Feb. 22, 2007, 7:27am PT

U.K. exhibition chief steps down

CEA looking for someone with more PR experience

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LONDON — The longtime chief executive of the Cinema Exhibitors' Association, John Wilkinson, is ankling the U.K. theater trade body.

CEA chairman Barry Jenkins told Daily Variety Thursday that the org is seeking to recruit a replacement by October with "more experience in the PR of exhibition." Wilkinson will stay on until a replacement is found.

Wilkinson has been at the CEA for 17 years and has campaigned for his members — which include the U.K.'s biggest chains Odeon Cinemas, Vue Cinemas and Cineworld — on issues such as release windows, distribution contracts and theater expansion.

"His contribution to the smooth running of cinema exhibition is greatly appreciated by all members," Jenkins said. "The asso-ciation will continue to develop on the sound base built by John."

Wilkinson said he has enjoyed his stay at CEA and wished his successor "continued success."