Digital Cinema Media Hires Michael Bensley as Head of Client

Digital Cinema Media (DCM) has announced the appointment of Michael Bensley as its head of client.

Michael’s remit will be to drive and lead DCM’s new client team and strategy, building relationships both internally and through the wider industry to raise the profile of cinema and its role within AV campaigns, identifying new commercial opportunities to drive revenue growth. Michael will also be responsible for building the new team, recruiting for two new client business directors. DCM has also promoted Emyr John, who has worked in the Sales team for the last four years, to client business director. 

Michael has spent his entire career in the media industry including roles at PHD, MediaCom and Carat, where he worked on clients including VW, Mars, British Airways and British Gas and, most recently, Essence Global, where he worked on BT, BT Sport and EE Broadband.

Davina Barker, sales director, Digital Cinema Media said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Michael as our new head of client. Cinema is experiencing a stellar comeback and we’re confident the year ahead will be nothing short of amazing. I’m excited to be growing our team further with a dedicated Client team as our business propels forward.

“Michael’s background working agency-side with key clients speaks for itself and his wealth of experience will no doubt contribute to the continued success of DCM and cinema advertising sales as we capitalise on the power of our undistracted, attentive audiences and the unique cinema environment.” 

Michael Bensley, head of client, Digital Cinema Media, added, “DCM has a fantastic market reputation and I have been hugely impressed by the company’s comeback over the last year. I’m incredibly excited to now be part of this ambitious team, bringing with me years of experience of working closely with clients from the other side of the fence. Cinema advertising is more relevant than ever for advertisers looking to tell their brand stories to captivated audiences, and I look forward to developing innovative, relevant and effective solutions for clients’ businesses. 2022 is set to be a big year for cinema, and as a massive fan of cinema both as an event as well as a media channel, I can’t wait to be a part of it.” 

Michael joins DCM at an exciting time for cinema, which has been experiencing a strong resurgence since cinemas across the UK reopened their doors in May 2021, after almost 16 months of being shut due to the covid-19 global pandemic. Admissions numbers have quickly neared pre-pandemic levels, with 16-34s accounting for 50% of the cinema audience, while ad spend in Q1 2022 surpassed 2019’s levels, which was a peak year for the medium.