John Suh rises through executive ranks since joining company in 2007. Camera rental firm Panavision Inc. promoted its chief operating officer to president and CEO, the fourth person to hold that title in two years. John Suh heads up the Woodland Hills company as it emerges from financial difficulties and confronts a rapidly changing landscape. He replaces Bob Bevins, who was named chief executive in June 2009 and will remain as chairman of the Panavision board. Suh declined media interviews. In a prepared statement, he said “Our focus is to continue to be a leader in technology at the point of capture.” The company has experienced some transition in its top seat since spring 2009, when longtime head Bob Beitcher left the company. Beitcher was replaced by Billy Campbell, a former president of Discovery Networks. Campbell stayed less than three months and was replaced by Bevins, who at the time was a director with a division of McAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc., the owner of Panavision. McAndrews & Forbes has since given up its stake in the company and turned it over to a group of creditors. Like many entertainment vendors, Panavision has had to navigate through financial turmoil. The company’s hardship started with the labor troubles that slowed filming, and next, the recession. Suh, who joined Panavision in 2007, has been groomed to take over as chief executive, said long-time former employee Al Mayer, Jr. Mayer, who held several top positions during his 26 years at Panavision, said the company likely waited for the right time to promote Suh. Mayer now is CEO of Excelsis Engineering. Going forward, Panavision can play up its unequaled brand name and distribution network, Mayer said. Panavision has operations in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Asia, Canada, Europe, South America and Australia. Another strength: Panavision’s depth of inventory. “If you have the means to get multiple cameras, in case one goes down, you don’t have to rent from someone else,” Mayer said. —Mark R. Madler
