Global leisure operator names new CEO
The business behind some of the world 's leading leisure attractions - including The Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC campus in Solihull - has named a new CEO.
Merlin Entertainments, Europe 's largest and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, has appointed sports and entertainment industry veteran Scott M. O 'Neil to replace outgoing CEO Nick Varney who has retired after 23 years.
Mr O 'Neil (pictured) will be responsible for overseeing the business operations of 147 attractions across 24 countries.
Merlin 's UK attractions include The Bear Grylls Adventure, Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds, Legoland and Thorpe Park.
O 'Neil was previously CEO for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), a portfolio of sports, entertainment, and investment properties - including the Philadelphia 76ers team which plays in the National Basketball Association.
Roland Hernandez, chair of Merlin Entertainments, said: “Scott has significant experience in the entertainment industry, a proven track-record of delivering business transformation, and the vision and ambition to lead Merlin through the next exciting stages of its global development.
“The Board has every confidence in him, and we look forward to working closely together over the coming years.
"I would like to reiterate the Group's thanks to Nick for his outstanding leadership of Merlin Entertainments over the last 23 years. Merlin is one of the best leisure businesses in the world thanks to his leadership, passion, and talent and we wish him all the best in his retirement. ”
Mr O 'Neil said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Merlin family. There is an extraordinarily talented management team, a driven, ambitious, hardworking, team centric, can-do culture, and a board led by KIRKBI, Blackstone and CPPIB which is committed and focused on growth and driving value.
“Merlin partners with some of the top global brands including LEGO, Sony Pictures Entertainment and HASBRO and is a business with phenomenal tailwinds, whose purpose is to bring joy and make lasting memories for families and friends around the world. ”
Nick Varney, added: “I am very proud of what we have achieved at Merlin over the past 23 years. We have built an incredible business with amazing attractions and brilliant people.
“I have every confidence that Merlin will go from strength to strength under Scott 's leadership over the coming years. ”