ATLANTA, (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Arnie Geller announced a shakeup in Premier Exhibitions management and operating structure, including the resignation of Bruce Eskowitz, the company's CEO, Director and President. Also taking their exit from Premier are Brian Wainger, formerly the company's Vice President, Chief Legal Counsel and Corporate Secretary as well as board members James S. Yaffe and Jonathan F. Miller.
Arnie Geller has been tapped to replace Eskowitz as CEO for the interim and Harold "Bud" Ingalls was elected to the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. Ingalls has served as the Company's Chief Financial Officer since joining the Company in February of this year.
As part of his departure deal, Eskowitz will give up the restricted stock awards and options that he had been previously awarded in exchange for monthly .
payments in the amount of $90,001.66.
Before joining Premier last September, Eskowitz was Live Nation's President and Chief Executive Officer of Global Venues and Alliances, President of Clear Channel Entertainment Properties, and President of Clear Channel Entertainment National Sales and Marketing.
Wainger will continue with the company and provide unspecified services as a part of a consulting agreement.
"This is a significant action for the Company that will lower our ongoing cost structure while maintaining our commitment to increase shareholder value. We are continuing to review the Company's business operations and organizational structure to identify additional opportunities to reduce costs and increase operating results. The Board intends to nominate a slate of Directors for election at our 2008 annual meeting of shareholders, which will take place this fall," said Arnie Geller, the Company's Chairman and CEO.
Premier specializes in touring museum exhibits such as the controversial "Bodies" tour, which saw them partner with Live Nation and a tour of artifacts from the RMS Titanic. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
