Mark Zoradi to Join Rave Cinemas, LLC Board of Directors

DALLAS, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Group President, Mark Zoradi will join the Board of Directors of newly formed Rave Cinemas, LLC, now the United States' fifth largest theater exhibition chain.

Mark Zoradi's 30-year career at Disney spanned the television, home entertainment and film businesses. He began in 1980 as marketing manager for Walt Disney Home Video during the beginning of the home entertainment boom.  From there he moved into television as marketing director for the Disney Channel, also in its early development at the time.

In 1985, Zoradi entered the motion picture business as director of sales for Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. With his combined media experience, next he was named vice president and general manager of Buena Vista Television (BVTV). From 1987 to 1992, he led the rapid growth of this business unit and was responsible for ad sales (which generated $100M in the first year), finance, administration and operations. He was also instrumental in the launch of a two-hour syndicated animation block called "The Disney Afternoon."

In 1992 he was hand-selected from BVTV to set up a stand-alone international theatrical marketing and distribution organization named Buena Vista International (BVI). Under his leadership as president, BVI shattered records by earning more than $1 billion at the international box office for 12 consecutive years, generating $16.8 billion from 1995-2006. From 2007 to early 2010 he spearheaded the worldwide Disney Marketing and Distribution teams which were responsible for such hits as "Pirates of the Caribbean," "The Chronicles of Narnia," "Ratatouille," and "UP."    

Thomas W. Stephenson, Jr., President and CEO of Rave Motion Pictures remarked, "Rave is extremely fortunate to have Mark Zoradi join the board of our newly formed company. His long career at Disney and experience in all facets of the entertainment industry will provide valuable insight and counsel.  His track record as a leader and innovator will be invaluable as we move forward."

Mark Zoradi commented, "I am so pleased to be joining the board of Rave Cinemas and serve with the TowerBrook partners, Chairman Charley Moss, and our CEO Tom Stephenson and his team.  The new entity is well positioned within the exhibition community to excel in providing the best cinema-going experience to movie audiences. My longtime experience on the studio side of the business will be a complement to the existing team."

Zoradi holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from UCLA's Graduate School of Management and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Westmont College. He is a member of the following organizations: Board of Trustees at Westmount College; Board of Directors of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center and Los Angeles Regional Young Life.

Rave Cinemas, LLC ("Rave"), was formed in December 2009 with the purchase of 32 former National Amusements theaters and the concurrent acquisition of four theaters from Boston Ventures-owned Rave Reviews Cinemas, L.L.C. ("RRC"), together with RRC's corporate infrastructure and the Rave Motion Pictures brand.  The day-to-day business and operations of Rave are managed by RRC's former management team, partnered with equity sponsor TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. and co-investors Lambert Media Group ("Lambert Media") and Charles B. Moss, Jr. to found Rave and pursue the NAI and RRC acquisitions.

For more information please visit www.ravemotionpictures.com

Or contact: [email protected]

Media contact: Lainie Kritser 1-214-521-8596

SOURCE Rave Cinemas, LLC