The CEO of Everyman Media Group, Alex Scrimgeour, has resigned with immediate effect, just weeks after the cinema chain issued a profit warning that sent its shares tumbling. Scrimgeour will be replaced on an interim basis by non-executive director Farah Golant, the company confirmed.

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Profit Warning Sparks Executive Shake-Up

On 10 December 2025, Everyman Media Group issued a trading update that highlighted weaker-than-expected performance at the end of the year. The firm revised its revenue forecast to £114.5 million and underlying earnings to at least £16.8 million, down from prior predictions of £121.5 million and £19.9 million respectively. Following the announcement, Everyman’s shares fell by 20%, contributing to a 76% share price drop during Scrimgeour’s tenure.

The trading update cited ongoing challenges in the cinema and leisure sector, including the cost-of-living crisis, increased competition, and lingering post-pandemic effects on footfall.

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Alex Scrimgeour’s Tenure

Scrimgeour became CEO in January 2021, after previously leading the French restaurant chain Côte Brasserie since 2015. Under his leadership, Everyman successfully navigated the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, more than doubling revenue and expanding its 49-venue network across the UK.

Chairman Philip Jacobson praised Scrimgeour’s contribution, stating he had played a pivotal role in the company’s post-pandemic recovery. However, analysts note that the cinema chain lost its competitive edge, as rivals such as Vue and Odeon introduced similar luxury features, including reclining seats and in-cinema bars.

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Challenges Facing Everyman

Industry experts highlight that Everyman, once known for its unique luxury proposition, now faces intensified competition in the UK cinema market. Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, explained that while the cinema sector regained some momentum after the pandemic, Everyman struggled to maintain its distinctive positioning.

The combination of weaker trading results and heightened competition has fueled speculation about the company’s future. With Blue Coast Private Equity, which owns a 29% stake, some analysts suggest the possibility of taking Everyman private to implement a turnaround strategy away from public scrutiny.

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Looking Ahead

Farah Golant’s interim leadership will focus on stabilizing the chain’s operations and reassessing its growth strategy in an increasingly competitive UK cinema market. Key priorities for Everyman will likely include:

• Enhancing customer experience to differentiate from rivals.
• Optimizing cost structures in response to economic pressures.
• Potential private equity-led strategic changes to strengthen the brand.

As Everyman navigates these challenges, industry observers will be watching closely to see whether it can reclaim its position as a leading luxury cinema chain in the UK.