Odeon appoints marketing director

Odeon Cinema has appointed Ross James as its new marketing director. – James is serving out his notice at Littlewoods, where he is Littlewoods Lotteries’ marketing manager.

Odeon Cinema has appointed Ross James as its new marketing director.

James is serving out his notice at Littlewoods, where he is Littlewoods Lotteries’ marketing manager. He will take up his new post on November 10.

James will take over from Ron Hanlon, who has been acting marketing director for Britain’s oldest cinema chain since January.

Hanlon will continue to act as a consultant on marketing strategy for Rank Leisure, which owns the Odeon chain. He will also work directly for Odeon until the end of the year.

In his tenure as acting marketing director Hanlon appointed design agency Wolff Olins to redesign all the chain’s sites. The new look will cover everything from interior and exterior design to popcorn boxes.

The Odeon’s flagship site, the Odeon West End, will be the first to sport the new look, next April.

James has worked in the marketing departments of Procter & Gamble and soft drink maker Robinson’s.

Odeon has the largest number of screens in the UK – about 400 – but has fewer multiplex screens than its competitors. Next in terms of size comes United Cinemas International, which has 280 screens, and Virgin, with 220 screens.