Richard Nye has accepted an important new position within Christie EMEA as Regional Director for Africa.
Relocating to Johannesburg he takes the helm with the departure of Phil Lord who returns to the UK after nearly a decade as Territory Manager to become Manager Cinema Lamp Sales, EMEA. Richard’s arrival coincides with a new facility in Johannesburg. Christie is a rarity in the global cinema and AV market in having regional offices so our up-scaled facility will offer customers all the usual benefits plus be instrumental in helping Richard and his team reach their goals in the future.
Since joining Christie in 1996, Richard managed key UK partners as Business Development Manager for the UK markets before moving to the cinema role which progressed to be Director of Digital Cinema: Richard put Christie on the map as cinema leader in EMEA and is known across the industry for leading cinemas to switch from film to digital technology. “In light of the success he achieved, I am sure all of this valuable experience in relationships, team ethics, market understanding and product knowledge will stand him in good stead for the challenges ahead,” stated Simon Smith, VP of EMEA.
With this new opportunity, Christie will look to Richard as Regional Director, Africa, to build on the platform established by Phil to enhance Christie’s considered position within the African market, to develop new markets in emerging countries like Nigeria and Kenya, as well as grow existing channels in the more traditional markets in South Africa. Richard will continue to oversee the Cinema business in the Middle East as well as Africa.
“I’ve spent 14 wonderful years working in the cinema industry with Christie leading the move to digital. It’s truly been a privilege, I’ve made many friends and worked with great colleagues.” said Richard. “I can’t wait to get to grips with the challenge of looking after the African Territory. For those who are not aware, we will have state-of-the-art demo and training suites where we offer local support for our African partners and clients.”
Simon Smith also pays tribute to Phil Lord. “I would like to say a big thank you to Phil who has firmly put Christie on the African map and I firmly believe that he will be handing over to Richard a sound platform of business as well as an established team which is now in place with Annalise, Chris and Tyron.”