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Former IAAPA chairman Darrel Metzger joins Sim Leisure Group board

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darrel metzger sim leisure group

Sim Leisure Group is a Malaysian-owned theme park and leisure company

Sim Leisure Group has appointed Darrel Metzger to its board of directors. Metzger is the former IAAPA chairman and a current board member for the association.

Throughout his career, Metzger has served in senior positions for Disney’s parks in the US and Japan, Ocean Park Hong Kong and Sentosa Leisure Group.

Sim Choo Kheng, founder and executive chairman of Sim Leisure Group, said he has “always wanted to have an industry-centric board”.

ESCAPE_Penang

“[Metzger’s] exceptional industry knowledge internationally and locally, leadership acumen, and international experience will undoubtedly bolster our position as a global leader in the leisure industry, and boost our quest towards world domination,” Sim added.

“With his expertise, we are confident in our ability to push boundaries, explore new horizons, and achieve unparalleled success.”

For Disney, Metzger worked as the human resources director during the opening of Tokyo Disney Resort. At Ocean Park Hong Kong, his strategic plan resulted in a $100 million expansion and doubled attendance.

Sim Leisure to “achieve unparalleled success”

During his tenure at Sentosa Leisure Group, he led a multibillion-dollar development to turn the island resort in Singapore into a top destination attracting nearly 19 million annual visitors.

Sim Leisure Group is a Malaysian-owned theme park and leisure company behind projects for venues including Motiongate Dubai, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Universal Studios Singapore.

The group’s Escape brand includes Escape Penang, which offers climbing zones, zip lines, obstacle courses and waterslides. Sim Leisure owns and operates Escape Challenge in Petaling Jaya, and another Escape is under construction in Ipoh.

Earlier this year, the company announced an innovative ticketing system using facial recognition technology, and an evolution of the Escape brand.

kidzania kuala lumpur

Additionally, Sim Leisure has announced plans to reopen KidZania Singapore in the first quarter of 2024. The group already operates KidZania Kuala Lumpur.

“This company has shown tremendous innovation, vision, and a commitment to delivering exceptional leisure experiences, a fitting reflection of Sim himself,” said Metzger.

“I look forward to working closely with the board and management team to drive growth, expand the company’s footprint, and continue redefining the boundaries of leisure entertainment.”

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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