A Strategic Shift in Leadership
Imax has appointed veteran exhibitor executive Heather Morgan as Imax’s Head of Global Distribution, succeeding Craig Dehmel, who steps down after nine transformative years.
Based in Playa Vista, Morgan will oversee curation of the company’s expansive content portfolio across its 1,700‑plus screens worldwide, reporting directly to chief content officer Jonathan Fischer.
From Alamo Drafthouse to Imax
Morgan most recently served as chief content officer at Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, where she managed programming for 42 locations and 350 screens.
Her experience spans Harkins Theatres and AMC Entertainment, giving Imax’s Head of Global Distribution a deep bench of exhibition insight.
At Alamo, Morgan negotiated distribution agreements, spearheaded specialty promotions, and used data analytics to build fan‑centric lineups—skills she now brings to Imax’s global platform.
Expanding a Diversified Slate
Fischer, who joined Imax in late 2024 after a stint at Netflix, praised the incoming executive: “Heather has a proven ability to wield data, creativity, and audience insights in developing programming strategies that resonate.” That mix is critical as Imax’s Head of Global Distribution will manage more than 130 annual films and live events, from Hollywood tentpoles to local‑language blockbusters and concert specials.
Morgan replaces Dehmel just as Imax broadens its slate beyond traditional studio fare. Recent successes with Chinese, Indian, and Japanese titles—and experiments with sports and comedy—underscore the need for a strategist adept at global tastes. Imax’s Head of Global Distribution will optimize windowing, premium ticket pricing, and alternative content to keep the large‑format chain competitive.
Retaining Domestic Momentum
In a parallel move, Steve Garrett remains head of domestic distribution while adding oversight of alternative programming. Working closely with Imax’s Head of Global Distribution, Garrett will focus on live concerts, esports, and special‑event screenings—segments that have delivered incremental revenue and filled seats on non‑peak days.
Industry Context
The hire follows Sony Pictures Entertainment’s 2024 acquisition of Alamo Drafthouse, highlighting a resurgence of vertical integration. As streamers cut back on originals and theatrical rebounds, studios and exhibitors alike see premium formats as a growth lever. For its part, Imax has recorded record box‑office splits on titles like Oppenheimer and Dune: Part Two, reinforcing the draw of immersive experiences.
By bringing in Morgan, Imax’s Head of Global Distribution position gains an executive fluent in boutique curation and wide‑release logistics. Her tenure at Alamo showcased eventized repertory series, filmmaker Q&As, and food‑pairing promotions—all potential playbooks for Imax’s city‑center and museum locations.
Morgan’s Mandate
In her statement, Morgan called Imax “the gold standard in immersive entertainment” and noted that “so much more potential remains as filmmakers line up to create for this platform.” Observers expect Imax’s Head of Global Distribution to:
- Deepen International Pipelines – Accelerate partnerships with Bollywood, Nollywood, and K‑Cinema to tap emerging middle‑class markets.
- Leverage Local Analytics – Use regional data to tailor lineups, maximizing occupancy in traditionally slow weeks.
- Eventize Catalogue Gems – Reissue classics shot on 70mm or IMAX cameras with new behind‑the‑scenes content.
- Expand Live & Interactive – Build on the success of Beyoncé and Coldplay concert events by adding sports finals, gaming tournaments, and comedy specials.
Looking Ahead
As streaming realities evolve and studios chase high‑margin premium tickets, Imax’s ability to curate unique content will determine its next growth cycle. The appointment of Heather Morgan as Imax’s Head of Global Distribution signals a commitment to data‑driven, globally attuned programming. With production pipelines stabilizing post‑pandemically and audiences seeking event cinema, Morgan’s challenge—and opportunity—is to keep filling giant screens with fresh, must‑see experiences.
