From the candy bar to Cannes, Nick Hayes has built a career spanning every level of the Australian film industry. For more than 29 years he has worked across cinema exhibition, film distribution, acquisitions, sales, operations and industry advocacy.

Nick is Chief Executive Officer of Independent Cinemas Australia, the national peak body representing independent cinemas, where he leads advocacy, government engagement, research and strategic initiatives for the sector.

His career has included senior roles with Umbrella, Icon Films, Dendy Cinemas, the Sydney Film Festival and Hoyts Cinemas, alongside extensive industry board service.

He is the author of Made, Not Seen, a major industry report examining the relationship between Australian films, cinemas and audience demand, as well as other research on audience behaviour and the changing theatrical market.

Nick is a recipient of the Australian Independent Distributors Association’s Independent Spirit Award and Independent Cinemas Australia’s Mark Sarfaty CEO Award for Outstanding Service to Independent Cinema.