Leadership & Innovation

Sarah Lewthwaite: Inspiring Leader in Cinema and Technology with Triumphs and Challenges

A powerful journey of growth, innovation, and transformation in global entertainment industries

Introduction

Sarah Lewthwaite stands as one of the most recognized leaders in the global cinema, media, and immersive technology landscape. With decades of experience driving growth, building customer excellence, and advancing technology solutions, she has become a notable figure in shaping how audiences connect with entertainment. Her career has been marked by remarkable successes, bold transitions, and the inevitable challenges that come with leadership roles at the highest levels.

From her early contributions in cinema marketing to her rise as a chief executive and senior vice president, Sarah Lewthwaite has consistently demonstrated strategic insight and resilience. Today, her influence extends beyond cinema, as she holds a prominent role in immersive technology, focusing on customer excellence and innovation.

Quick Bio

Attribute Details
Full Name Sarah Lewthwaite
Profession Business Executive, Customer Excellence Leader
Current Role SVP of Customer Excellence at Disguise
Industry Cinema, Media, Technology, Entertainment
Known For Leadership at Movio and Disguise, Data-driven Growth
Recognition Named among Top 50 Women in Global Cinema (2020)
Notable Boards Event Cinema Association, Cinema Technology Community

Early Career Foundations

Sarah Lewthwaite began her professional journey in cinema and entertainment marketing. Her ability to blend creativity with data-driven insights quickly distinguished her in an industry that relies on customer loyalty and evolving audience behaviors. She worked on strategies that combined technology and customer engagement, preparing her for larger roles in the future.

Her position as Vice President of Marketing at Cineplex Entertainment in Canada was one of her earliest leadership achievements. There, she successfully spearheaded loyalty programs and advanced database marketing approaches, showcasing her understanding of customer connections and how they influence growth in entertainment businesses.

Career Growth at Movio

Expanding into Global Markets

In 2014, Sarah Lewthwaite joined Movio, part of Vista Group, a company focused on cinema data analytics and customer engagement. Her role quickly grew in scope as she became Managing Director and Senior Vice President for the EMEA region. She led Movio’s expansion across more than 30 countries, establishing it as a trusted partner for over 40 exhibitors.

Under her leadership, Movio launched innovative services such as Movio Media and Movio Research in the UK. These platforms provided exhibitors and marketers with critical insights into customer preferences, making data a central tool for strategic decision-making in the cinema industry.

Chief Client Officer and CEO Transition

Her strong track record at Movio led to her promotion as Chief Client Officer, where she was responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships. Later, she assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Movio Cinema, marking a major milestone in her career. While the role was filled with both triumphs and obstacles, she successfully maintained Movio’s reputation as a global cinema campaign and analytics leader.

Current Role at Disguise

Senior Vice President of Customer Excellence

In 2025, Sarah Lewthwaite took on a new challenge by joining Disguise as Senior Vice President of Customer Excellence. Disguise is a technology company specializing in real-time visualization and immersive experiences for live events, film, and entertainment. In this role, Sarah focuses on client services, customer success, and retention strategies.

Her expertise in building data-driven customer experiences has proven to be an asset to Disguise. She now works with global teams and high-profile clients, ensuring the company’s solutions continue to support major productions, concerts, and innovative media projects around the world.

Recognition and Industry Impact

Sarah Lewthwaite’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she was named among the Top 50 Women in Global Cinema, a recognition that highlights her impact on the industry. She has also been actively involved in governance and advisory positions, serving on the Board of Governors of the Event Cinema Association and as a Director of the Cinema Technology Community CIC.

Her reputation as a forward-thinking executive has made her a frequent speaker and contributor in industry panels and conferences. Through these engagements, she continues to inspire others with her insights on leadership, marketing, and the future of entertainment technology.

Challenges and Transitions

Like many leaders, Sarah Lewthwaite has experienced transitions shaped by both opportunities and challenges. Her departure from Movio in 2023 came amid a restructuring led by its parent company, Vista Group. This shift was a turning point that allowed her to move toward the evolving world of immersive technologies at Disguise.

While the move marked the end of one chapter, it also opened a new path in her career. Her resilience in adapting to change demonstrates her ability to embrace both positive and negative aspects of leadership, while continuing to drive innovation.

Legacy and Influence

Sarah Lewthwaite’s legacy is defined by her ability to merge customer understanding with technological innovation. She has influenced cinema marketing, audience engagement, and now immersive media experiences on a global scale. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence in customer service.

Her ongoing contributions at Disguise suggest that her influence will continue to grow, leaving a mark not only on cinema but also on the broader entertainment and technology industries.

Conclusion

Sarah Lewthwaite’s journey from cinema marketing to senior leadership in global technology highlights a career built on determination, insight, and adaptability. She has navigated moments of growth, recognition, and challenge, always with a focus on advancing customer excellence. Today, as SVP at Disguise, she remains a driving force in shaping how technology and storytelling converge in entertainment. Her story is not only about business leadership but also about resilience and vision, setting an example for future generations of executives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is Sarah Lewthwaite?
Sarah Lewthwaite is a business executive with extensive experience in cinema, media, and technology. She is currently the Senior Vice President of Customer Excellence at Disguise.

Q2: What companies has Sarah Lewthwaite worked for?
She has held leadership positions at Cineplex Entertainment, Movio (Vista Group), and now Disguise.

Q3: What is she known for in the industry?
She is known for her leadership in customer engagement, cinema data analytics, loyalty programs, and immersive technology solutions.

Q4: Has Sarah Lewthwaite received recognition for her work?
Yes, she was named among the Top 50 Women in Global Cinema in 2020 and has held governance roles in industry associations.

Q5: What is her current focus at Disguise?
Her focus is on customer excellence, helping global clients succeed with immersive technology and real-time 3D visualization solutions.

Western Business

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