Merlin Entertainments has appointed Scott O’Neil as its new CEO, effective 15 November. He replaces Nick Varney, who is retiring after 23 years.
O’Neil will be responsible for leading Merlin‘s business operations and the global growth of the company. He will oversee its 147 attractions in 24 countries.
O’Neil most recently served as CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), a portfolio of sports, entertainment, and investment properties.
Under his leadership, HBSE has grown to become an award-winning live sports and entertainment group. “I am thrilled to be joining the Merlin family,” said O’Neil.
“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.”
Merlin’s attractions include 10 Legoland parks, as well as theme park resorts such as Alton Towers, Heide Park and Gardaland. The group also operates 23 hotels and six holiday villages.
The company is continuing to expand, with three Legoland resorts under development in China and additional openings planned across the US and Asia.
“Nick has built an incredible business and achieved unprecedented growth in this industry and yet there are still tremendous upside opportunities ahead to continue the momentum,” added O’Neil.
New CEO replaces Nick Varney
“We are actively building and searching for new attractions and sites. We are fortunate in that we are not constrained to a single studio or content pipeline and are seeking additional brand partners to redefine the attractions business.
“Merlin will also aggressively look to expand our offerings and experiences in our current attractions.”
O’Neil aims to build innovative and inspiring businesses and brands. He has more than 25 years’ experience in leading and managing global sports and entertainment brands.
These include the NBA’s New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, and the NHL’s New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils, as well as Madison Square Garden and the Prudential Center.
“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,” said Roland Hernandez, Merlin chair.
“The board has every confidence in him, and we look forward to working closely together over the coming years.”
Hernandez thanked Varney for his “outstanding leadership” 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.”
“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,” said Varney.
“I have every confidence that Merlin will go from strength to strength under Scott’s leadership over the coming years.”
Images: Merlin
