Owen Zhao is president and founder of Max-Matching Entertainments, one of Asia’s premier international entertainment companies, serving as the official IP partner for many of the world’s top brands. These include Mattel, Aardman, Peppa Pig and Hasbro. Alongside its brand partnerships, Max-Matching works with clients looking to develop in the region through proposals, funding opportunities, destination marketing, and facility management on a long-term basis.
Zhao previously worked at Merlin Entertainments, and was responsible for raising Madame Tussauds Shanghai’s brand awareness by 95 percent. He was also president of the Themed Entertainment Association‘s Asia Pacific division’s board of directors.
In 2023, Max-Matching revealed details of Top Park, which will be the largest international IP-themed family entertainment centre (FEC) cluster in Asia. The attraction is set to open in Beijing in 2026. It will feature five themed FECs and a themed hotel, with IP from four international groups and Crayola’s first family entertainment experience in Asia.
“At Max-Matching Entertainments, we are committed to collaborating with world-famous and world-class IP brands, major developers, and government stakeholders to create family destinations with immersive designs and experiences that bring joy and adventure, stimulate imagination and learning, and produce engaging and lasting memories for guests of every age across China,” said Zhao.
“There has been a growing demand for high-quality leisure and entertainment experiences and destinations by families and young travelers within the country as domestic travel continues to increase after the pandemic.
“FECs thus have gained popularity with a strong momentum for further growth. At Max-Matching Entertainments, we are committed to our partnership with Mattel, Hasbro, WildBrain, Crayola, Aardman and more, to innovate, create and bring remarkable world-class IP experiences to a new level through our current and many more upcoming FEC projects across China.”