Chris McGurk has resurfaced as CEO and chairman of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp, the company formerly known as AccessIT that provides digital conversion and maintenance services through its satellite delivery platform.

McGurk most recently led the now defunct Overture Films alongside Danny Rosett and had been linked with a possible role on the board at Lionsgate in the event of a takeover by Carl Icahn.

“Once you digitise a screen it does so many things for studios, exhibitors and content partners,” McGurk said. “It takes huge costs out of the equation and turns your theatre complex into a networked entertainment hub. When you add a satellite you can begin to think about alternative content programming.”

The executive added that among other things he would explore avenues to use the platform as a distributor of independent content that might not otherwise reach theatrical audiences, although he said this was not an immediate priority.

“We are extremely pleased to have Chris McGurk lead our company going forward,” Ned Gilhuly, founder of Sageview Capital and a Cinedigm board and search committee member, said in a statement. “He has an ideal mix of relevant industry experience, strategic insight and demonstrated leadership ability to help drive Cinedigm to the next level.”

McGurk previously served as CEO of Anchor Bay Entertainment and was vice-chairman and COO of MGM from 1999 to 2005 after serving in various executive capacities at Universal including president and COO from 1996 to 1999. His earlier postings include Disney.

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