Chris Perry is the executive director of entertainment strategy at Qiddiya Investment Company in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the vision and strategic planning of one of the world’s most prominent destinations for entertainment, sports, and culture.
With over two decades of experience in the attractions industry, Perry has held leadership positions at notable companies such as Baha Mar and Royal Caribbean, emphasising the development of immersive guest experiences. He has also been instrumental in the Middle East’s entertainment landscape as a co-founder of MENALAC (the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council).
His career in the attractions industry began early, as his father ran aquatic facilities, and Perry would accompany him to pools from age five.
Perry’s extensive industry knowledge has earned him worldwide acclaim, particularly as he prepares to assume a pivotal leadership position with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). He was chosen as IAAPA’s second vice chair for 2025 and will then move to first vice chair in 2026, board chair in 2027, and immediate past chair in 2028. This milestone highlights his impact on the global attractions sector, including his significant contributions to IAAPA’s leadership initiatives across the EMEA region and further afield.
For the six available seats, the IAAPA Governance Committee reviewed 35 applications. After thoroughly considering and debating each application, the best candidates for second vice chair and treasurer were interviewed. The committee considered professional experience, prior volunteer involvement with IAAPA, experience in the business, and the knowledge and abilities required on the board to advance the association’s strategic aims successfully.
“The extensive selection process was very comprehensive,” said IAAPA Governance Committee chairman Amanda Thompson, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s CEO and Stageworks Worldwide Productions’s president. “The new board members have decades of experience and are proven industry leaders, and I’m confident they will effectively guide IAAPA into the future.”