Alamo Drafthouse introduces Michael Kustermann in the new role of president

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has promoted its chief experience officer, Michael Kustermann, to the newly created position of president, who will have an expanded role to support and accelerate the organization and strategic vision of the growing chain.

The manager’s key initiatives included Alamo Season Pass, Rolling RoadShow, Fantastic Fest, a new silent service ordering platform, and collaboration with the digital and marketing teams on structure and talent development. He will continue to report to CEO Shelli Taylor and oversee the strategy, marketing and creative, product and digital and development teams.

“With movies back in full force, Alamo Drafthouse is back in growth mode. Our plan is to bring the movies we love to movie lovers around the world. Michael has been instrumental in rebuilding the company and will now play a greater role in accelerating our growth,” said Taylor.

The chain transitioned into a structured Chapter 11 during Covid, went bust and has since opened six locations. It’s private, but first quarter ticket sales were up more than 100% from 2019 thanks to the mix of widespread tentpoles, indie films and repertoire, and special events.

Austin-based Alamo has 39 locations with new additions, including Southern Manhattan, Staten Island, Chicago, St. Louis and Washington DC, and a new theater in Boston is in the pipeline. The chain has always offered food, but many of its movie theaters also have bars, themes and unique features — a printing press and plates for old movie ads at the Wall Street Theater, a kung fu-themed museum on Staten Island — that have become targets during a challenging Time when the cinemas were trying to win back the audience.

The Alamo and the rest of the exhibition industry are gathering at CinemaCom in Las Vegas this week.