Falcon’s Beyond Global, a fully integrated development enterprise for IP-driven parks, resorts, media and merchandise, has announced the formation of its advisory board and the engagement of Mike Hightower, former president of Universal Creative, as its first strategic advisor.
The firm will establish its advisory board over the next year to extend its influence in the themed entertainment sector and beyond. The selection of significant leaders with diversified knowledge will position the company for sustained success and future expansion.
Cecil D. Magpuri, CEO of Falcon’s Beyond, says: “As the experience economy accelerates, we recognize the value of bringing in distinguished industry leaders who are masters of their craft to participate in discussions regarding strategic guidance, insights and knowledge to help us amplify our momentum and navigate our path forward.”
Shaping the themed entertainment sector
As Falcon’s first strategic advisor, Hightower will act as counsel for the company’s theme park and entertainment projects, with a focus on developing and integrating advanced ride and show technologies to enhance Falcon’s themed immersive experiences further.
In addition, he will advise the company on prospective acquisitions, assist with client relations, and support Falcon’s in developing its industry network by nurturing new relationships with key influential stakeholders, potential clients, and partners that are positioned to contribute to the company’s ongoing expansion and success.
“I’m excited to establish our advisory board with Mike as the first member on the board,” says Magpuri. “Mike’s proven track record of success speaks for itself. We’ve known each other for more than two decades and I’ve always admired his brilliance in stewardship and ability to make the impossible possible in theme park development.
“When I was thinking of establishing the advisory board, Mike was top of mind, and I’m incredibly honored he has stepped onboard as a strategic advisor. He is uniquely qualified with the methodological expertise to meet our business needs and perfectly aligns with our vision to create next level entertainment experiences worldwide.”
With over 30 years of experience as a globally recognised theme park project leader, Hightower has helped shape the themed entertainment sector by championing unique parks, lands, attractions, and experiences from idea to launch for Universal theme parks worldwide.
His leadership was instrumental in the innovative design, engineering, and ambitious growth of Universal’s world-class destinations and properties, including the launch of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Universal Studios Japan.
Hightower has contributed to the development, planning, design, and delivery of Universal theme parks, resorts, restaurants, and retail outlets in numerous locations such as Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Spain, Dubai, Singapore, and Beijing.
Before joining Universal Parks & Resorts, he worked in the aerospace and defence contracting industry as an engineering project manager for Eastport International (now Oceaneering Entertainment Systems), where he delivered sharks for the JAWS II attraction at Universal Studios Florida. He graduated with degrees in mechanical engineering from Oklahoma State University (BSME) and Stanford University (MSME).
Hightower says: “I am excited to join Falcon’s Beyond as the first member of their Advisory Board. I wasn’t planning to work again after retiring from Universal, but after reconnecting with Cecil and meeting his senior team, I felt this role is a perfect fit for me. Falcon’s has impressed me with their innovation, professionalism and collaborative culture. I look forward to leveraging my experience in support of Falcon’s fast paced growth.”
Driving unprecedented growth
Forming the advisory board with Hightower as Falcon’s first strategic advisor marks the most recent initiative to drive the company’s unparalleled growth, with the expansion of its team to support innovative projects across the globe.
These initiatives include:
- A joint venture with Hong Kong-based cultural commerce titan Raging Power Limited, an arm of K11 Group, to create new virtual sea life entertainment experiences across China.
- A global licensing agreement with The Hershey Company to develop Hershey-themed experiential attractions and retail experiences.
- A letter of intent with Tokyo-based designer Tanseisha Co., Ltd. to investigate the development of new themed entertainment experiences to develop location-based entertainment (LBE), games, movies, and more, based on beloved Japanese anime and manga intellectual property (IP).
- Falcon’s Creative Group, a division of the company, contributed to an extensive scope of work for Qiddiya Investment Company in Saudi Arabia. This sought to plan and design a number of unique immersive entertainment projects for Qiddiya City near Riyadh, the first city on the planet to be built for play.
Earlier this month, Falcon’s Creative Group reflected on its success as it celebrates its 25th anniversary and Falcon’s Beyond marks its first anniversary as a Nasdaq-listed company (FBYD).
