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EXCLUSIVE: Rob Westerling is returning to Harkins as its VP of Content & Programming in Scottsdale, AZ.
The news comes in the wake of the exhibition exec less than a month ago being named Regal Cinemas SVP of U.S. Content, a similar position previously held by Regal Theatres VP and Head of Film Andrew Turner, who exited recently.
Westerling was in the job for two weeks at Regal before having second thoughts, we hear.
“We’re excited to welcome back Rob Westerling to our team,” said Mike Bowers, president and CEO of Harkins Theatres. “His return is a testament to our incredible culture and the industry-leading work we’re doing to create the Ultimate Moviegoing Experience.”
Westerling is known as a respected and skilled circuit exec among studio distribution bosses. The quick revolving door speaks more to the current situation at Regal: After getting out of bankruptcy, the gossip coming out of CinemaCon is that the No. 2 circuit might relapse back into it; its parent company Cineworld already looking to unload their UK cinemas. Quite often circuits who go into bankruptcy return promptly to it simply because they’re too tightly wound up with even more severe cost restrictions.
Westerling counts 23 years of experience in the industry, 21 of those previously with Regal. He originally began work there in 2001 at West Town Mall in Knoxville, TN. He then transitioned to the theatre support office in 2005, where he rose through the ranks of the film team, becoming Head of Film in 2018.
A Regal rep when reached by Deadline released a statement.
“While we were excited for Rob’s return to Regal, we appreciate that he quickly came to and communicated this personal decision before fully establishing himself in the role. Regal Cineworld Group has nothing but the best wishes for Rob and all future opportunities he decides to pursue.”