After being named CEO of the Pathé Palace in 1995, Jean-Pierre Decrette became Director of Development for Les Cinemas Gaumont Pathé, the largest cinema operator in France, the Netherlands and Switzerland, in addition to its operations in Belgium.

In that role, Jean-Pierre was integral in establishing the company as one of the most widely-recognised names in European cinema exhibition, with over 1,000 screens across more than 100 theatres. Les Cinémas Gaumont Pathé’s position at the forefront of cinematic innovation is testament to its continuous efforts to improve the cinema-going experience for audiences, in no small part thanks to Jean-Pierre’s dedication, knowledge of the sector and passion for the big screen experience.

A hugely-respected leader within the French cinema industry, Jean-Pierre is also Deputy President of La Fédération Nationale des Cinémas Français (FNCF), Senior Vice-President of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) and on the Board of Directors of UNICINE. Furthermore, he served on the Board of the Cannes Film Festival between 2014-2018 and was President of the French cinema industry professionals’ association BLIC in 2013 and 2016.

Welcoming the announcement of the Award, Phil Clapp, President of UNIC said:

“This UNIC Award represents long-overdue recognition of the immense contribution that Jean-Pierre Decrette has made not just to Les Cinémas Gaumont Pathé and the French cinema industry, but also to the cause of European film and cinema over a long and hugely successful career.

I would in particular like to place on record my appreciation – and I am sure that of all UNIC colleagues – for the support that Jean-Pierre has given our organisation over the last decade and more.”