– USA, NY – Cinedigm Corp. (NASDAQ: CIDM) today announced it has appointed Ron Chez as Lead Director to its Board of Directors, following one year as Strategic Advisor to the Company.
Ron Chez has served in the role of Strategic Advisor to the Company since July 2015. In this capacity, Mr. Chez advised Cinedigm on strategic transactions, operational issues and opportunities. Mr. Chez brings deep business and financial expertise to the Company. Currently, Mr. Chez is the President and Sole Owner of Ronald L. Chez, Inc., a corporation that provides financial management consulting, and invests in public and private companies. He is Co-Chairman of Merriman Capital, and was the Chairman of EpiWorks, Inc., a manufacturer of compound semi-conductors based in Champaign, Illinois, that was recently acquired by II-VI, a public company. Mr. Chez has been a director, officer, and co- founder of several private and public companies.
He is Chairman of the Chez Family Foundation, which has been involved in numerous philanthropic activities, including: the Chicago Youth Success Foundation (CYSF), which provided Chicago’s Public High Schools with a broader range of extracurricular activities; The Chez Family Scholarship Fund, based at the University of Illinois, which assists economically disadvantaged students from the inner city; the Center for Urological Health at North Shore University Health Systems; and the Chez Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education, which is located at the University of Illinois. Mr. Chez is also on the Advisory Board of the Wounded Warriors Foundation. Mr. Chez is an Executive Producer of Woody Allen’s theatrical releases, including the upcoming Café Society. Chez graduated from the University of Illinois, Bronze Plaque with special honors, with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
“As a large shareholder for roughly 4 years and a Strategic Advisor for the last year, Ron has a keen understanding of the Company and the changing industry tides we have been navigating, regularly providing strategic insights and advice on both the financial and operational front,” said Chris McGurk, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Ron is a tireless advocate for our common shareholders and we are pleased to have him join the Board as Lead Director.”
“Clearly, Cinedigm has faced challenges recently,” said Chez. “However, I believe significant upside opportunities for success exist and, as Lead Director, I intend to work closely with Chris, the rest of the Board and senior management team to ensure we provide the support and environment that is necessary for management to achieve success and enhance shareholder value.”
Also, effective immediately, the Cinedigm Board will be reduced to 5 Directors. This will streamline the Board process while also further improving efficiency. Blair Westlake and Martin O’Connor have resigned from the Board to achieve this reduction.
“This streamlining will further improve Board efficiency and I am confident the Board is fully aligned with shareholder interests,” added McGurk. On behalf of the Board and management, I want to thank Martin O’Connor and Blair Westlake for recognizing the need for this streamlining, as well as their tireless service on behalf of the Company. We wish them the best in their future endeavors.”
About Cinedigm
Cinedigm is a leading independent content distributor in the United States, with direct relationships with thousands of physical retail storefronts and digital platforms, including Wal-Mart, Target, iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon, as well as the national Video on Demand platform on cable television. The company’s library of films and TV episodes encompasses award-winning documentaries from Docurama Films®, next-gen Indies from Flatiron Film Company®, acclaimed independent films and festival picks through partnerships with the Sundance Institute and Tribeca Films and a wide range of content from brand name suppliers, including Scholastic, Shout! Factory, Hallmark, Jim Henson and more.
Additionally, given Cinedigm’s infrastructure, technology, content and distribution expertise, the Company has rapidly become a leader in the quickly evolving over-the-top digital network business. Cinedigm’s first channel, DOCURAMA, launched in May 2014, and is currently available on iOS, Roku, Xbox and Samsung, with additional platforms currently being rolled out. Cinedigm launched CONtv, a Comic Con branded channel in partnership with WIZARD WORLD, on March 3, 2015. The Company’s third OTT channel, DOVE CHANNEL, launched on September 15, 2015 and is a digital streaming subscription service targeted to families and kids seeking high quality and family friendly content approved by Dove Foundation.
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