The Board of Directors of SeaWorld Entertainment has elected Yoshikazu Maruyama as Chairman, and Donald C. Robinson as Lead Independent Director.
Yoshikazu Maruyama will succeed David F. D’Alessandro effective October 9, 2017. Donald C. Robinson will take his role as Lead Independent Director effective October 9, 2017.
Mr. Maruyama has been a SeaWorld director since June 2017. He is President of Zhonghong Group’s American operation and represents the perspective of a significant, long-term shareholder.
Maruyama brings over 20 years of global theme park and family entertainment industry experience. He helped to lead the early turnaround of Universal Studios Japan.
“I am honored to succeed David and want to express my deepest appreciation to him for his years of dedication to SeaWorld,” Mr. Maruyama said. “I am excited to bring a fresh perspective to the Board and deeply committed to working with the management team to deliver memorable guest experiences, extend SeaWorld’s iconic brands to global audiences, improve business performance, and enhance value for shareholders and all our important stakeholders.”
Mr. Robinson has been a a SeaWorld Director since June 2016. He was formerly the Executive Vice President of Hong Kong Disneyland.
Robinson has extensive operations expertise, as well as over thirty years of executive and management positions in global theme park, retail, restaurant, resort, and entertainment businesses.
“Our Board is committed to continuing to advance its governance standards and independence, and we believe that by establishing these two complementary roles with clear responsibilities, we can enhance the rigorous and independent oversight of the company and the Board,” Mr. Robinson said. “Yoshi and I intend to work closely with the other directors and the management team to advance the company’s progress on behalf of all its shareholders and other stakeholders.”
Mr. D’Alessandro, Judith A. McHale, and Ellen O. Tauscher will step down from the Board of Directors from October 9, 2017.
Image courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainments
