HOYTS puts Jodi Paton in charge of transformation

The HOYTS Group has appointed Jodi Paton as chief people and transformation officer, placing her in charge of the cinema group’s next phase of organisational change.

The newly created role is effective immediately. Paton will oversee organisational design, structural transformation and capability planning while reviewing how the business operates.

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People and AI shape the transformation brief

Paton has also been tasked with identifying ways to improve productivity, efficiency and organisational effectiveness. The company said AI will support that work, alongside a continued focus on its people.

HOYTS Group president and CEO Damian Keogh said the appointment reflected the company’s push to build a more agile business.

“Jodi has built an exceptional people-first culture across The HOYTS Group and has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead meaningful organisational change,” Keogh said.

“AI will play an important role in that journey, but our focus is on using it thoughtfully to enable our people, strengthen our business and help us work smarter.”

Paton’s expanded remit

Paton joined HOYTS in 2013 and has led initiatives covering employee engagement, leadership and workplace practices. The company also credits her with championing gender-neutral parental leave and more inclusive recruitment.

Her work has contributed to increased female representation across the organisation, particularly in senior roles. Paton was recently named among B&T’s Best of the Best People Leaders.

“The HOYTS Group has always been built on great people, and this role is about continuing to create an organisation where our teams have the support and environment they need to succeed,” Paton said.

She added that she would work with leaders across the business to build on its existing strengths and create new opportunities.

A three-to-five-year capability plan

Over the coming months, Paton will lead the development of a group-wide Capability Framework. It will map the skills and resources HOYTS needs to strengthen its operations and respond to changing market conditions.

The framework will also support the company’s growth plans over the next three to five years.

Founded in 1909, HOYTS operates more than 500 screens and 59,000 seats across Australia and New Zealand.