From the Candy Bar to Cannes, Nick Hayes, MAICD, has built a lifelong career in the film industry, working across exhibition, distribution, and acquisitions. He has overseen the release of more than 120 films across Australian and international cinemas and led strategic campaigns championing diverse and award-winning storytelling.
Nick served as Head of Sales and Acquisitions at both Umbrella and Icon Films, and was previously Head of Dendy Cinemas, where he played a key role in the expansion of the cinema chain — including the launches of Dendy Coorparoo and Southport, and major redevelopments of Dendy Newtown and Canberra.
He has also held senior roles at the Sydney Film Festival and Hoyts Cinemas, and served as a Board Member of Independent Cinemas Australia (2010–2023), Vice President of the Australian Independent Distributors Association (2017–2024), and Board Member of the Australian Home Entertainment Distributors Association (AHEDA) (2023–2025).
Nick is the recipient of the 2023 Independent Spirit Award for Lifetime Achievement from AIDA, and the 2018 Mark Sarfaty CEO Award for Outstanding Service to Independent Cinema from ICA.
He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD). Outside of work, Nick is a passionate traveller who has visited 59 countries and hiked the Camino de Santiago, an 800 km pilgrimage across Spain. He is also a dedicated ocean swimmer, regularly participating in open-water events such as the Bondi to Bronte Swim.
Nick is a member of:
– AACTA / AFI (Australian Academy of Cinema & Television Arts)
– Australian Cinema Pioneers – NSW Branch
– Royal Agricultural Society of NSW
– Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD)
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