Cinema and film distribution group Dendy Icon has announced the promotion of Sharon Strickland to CEO.

Strickland joined the company in 2010 from Hoyts as financial controller before being promoted to chief operating officer in 2014.

She replaces Greg Hughes as CEO, who left Dendy Icon in November after 11 years at the group.

Dendy Icon chairman Bruce Davey said: “Sharon has been a tremendous asset to our business over the last eight years, and I’m delighted to appoint her to the leadership position to continue to strengthen and grow the business.

Commenting on her new role, Strickland said: “I’m extremely privileged to work in an environment of great passion and innovation, and I look forward to continuing the focus of driving our business forward.”

The group has gone through transformational change over the past 12 months, including the closure of its video-on-demand service, Dendy Direct, and a restructure of the group’s marketing team.