Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen
(CEO, NOVO Cinemas)
As an accomplished leader with more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment, events and hospitality industries, Debbie is a CEO with an extensive understanding of public, government and private organizations. Since taking on the role of the CEO of NOVO Cinemas in 2013, Debbie has worked with her Executive team to bring Novo Cinemas to new heights, from a standard cinema experience to an innovative entertainment hub through strategic partnerships, technological advancements, new experience offerings and alternative content opportunities for consumers. Under Debbie’s guidance, further expansion throughout the GCC will see Novo Cinemas enter the newly opened Saudi Arabia cinema market. The impact of Debbie’s leadership is reflected in the multiple awards that have been conferred to her. In September 2018 Debbie was crowned ‘Female CEO Of The Year’ by CEO Middle East
Magazine and named as one of the 12 Women of Substance 2018 by Khaleej Times. In 2019, she has been named one of the Top 30 most influential women in the Arab World By Arabian Business and #5 of Top 50 Women in Global Cinema by Celluloid Junkie, Box Office Magazine in collaboration with industry Trade body UNIC.
