Following Village Cinemas International's revelation that it is launching a chain of own brand cinemas in the UK, the company has announced several management changes, including the relocation of two Australian executives to its London office.

George Livery has been promoted from managing director of Village Cinemas Australia to general manager of Village Cinemas International (VCI), where his main focus will be European cinema investments. Ross Entwistle will remain director of film buying and programming for VCI, but take on extra responsibility for strategic planning and resource management. Both men will move to London in the next four weeks.

Meanwhile Robert Macolino has been appointed general manager of Village Cinemas Australia. He was formerly general manager, group marketing and communications.

Village built or acquired 378 screens during 1999 but would not detail growth expected in the year 2000. As of late February, there were 517 screens at 75 sites in Australia, compared to 1,101 screens in 19 other countries.