Extreme Engineering, a leading adventure attractions company, has announced the addition of Rob Wyatt as chief operating officer (COO), while existing team members Phil Wilson and Kris Benken move into the roles of chief development officer and vice president of business development, respectively.
These strategic appointments will help the company continue to provide an exceptional service to its clients as it expands.
A new COO for Extreme Engineering
Wyatt has over three decades of experience in global design and project management and has a reputation for excellence in leading entertainment project developments and delivering solutions that provide commercial success and mutual benefit to a location’s area and local culture. During his career, he has worked on award-winning projects for theme parks, attractions, museums, aquariums, and more.
He graduated from California State University with a Master of Fine Arts and also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southern California Colleges. Wyatt is an active member of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) as well as IAAPA.
Internal promotions
Meanwhile, Wilson has been with the company since it began in 1995, founding the business with his father Jeff and helping it grow to a globally recognised name in the industry. His creativity and marketing communications have been instrumental in Extreme Engineering’s progress, helping the firm to win awards such as “Best New Product”, which it received five years in a row, as well as 16 other international amusement industry awards to date.
As chief development officer, Wilson will oversee all strategic partnerships, global marketing, fabrication services, custom attraction development and new product concepts. He is active within IAAPA, having served on the Board of Directors and several committees and is an IAAPA Certified Attractions Executive (ICAE) and a member of the TEA. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Arts from California State University.
Benken has been with the firm since 2015, following an early career working in the hospitality industry and later managing several amusement attractions. As vice president of business development, Benken will lead all adventure ride sales, sales support and sales strategies. He is also a TEA and serves on IAAPA committees. Benken holds a Bachelor of Arts from Florida State University.
Continued growth and success
“We are excited by these announcements, which will help us in our next chapter of continued growth and success,” says Jeff Wilson, founder and CEO of Extreme Engineering, “Rob is the right choice for our executive team with his strong track record of innovation, execution, producing excellence that drive results for clients.
“Phil and Kris are incredible professionals who understand the attractions industry. They have remained forward-focused, especially as we have worked through the global impact of COVID 19. Phil understands the attractions industry better than anyone I know and will continue to push us in new ways. Kris always puts his clients’ needs first and will remain committed to identifying new client solutions to meet their ever-changing needs.”
Extreme Engineering recently announced that it is installing its award-winning suspended coaster product, Cloud Coaster, at Wilderness at the Smokies in Tennessee, US, where it will open to the public in 2023.
