Six Flags has announced that Selim Bassoul is stepping down as its executive chairman, and confirmed that Six Flags Qiddiya City is expected to open later this year.
Bassoul will step down from Six Flags' board of directors on 31 December. On the same date, Daniel Hanrahan, lead independent director, will leave his post.
Following the departure of Bassoul and Hanrahan, the Six Flags board will comprise 10 directors, and Marilyn Spiegel will take on the role of non-executive chair of the board from 1 January 2026.
“Leading the Six Flags board of directors through a period of transformation has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said Bassoul.
“Together, we built a stronger, more innovative company – one that successfully completed the industry’s largest merger, expanded its growth opportunities, and refined the guest experience through technology and creativity."
Hanrahan said: “It has been a privilege to serve on the boards of Cedar Fair and Six Flags for the past 12 years, and I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments over that time.
"We have built one of the largest and most successful regional amusement park companies in the world, with a collection of unmatched entertainment properties."
Post-merger changes at Six Flags
After stepping down from the board, Bassoul will serve as a consultant to Six Flags, working on the development and completion of Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia.
Six Flags said in its statement that the new theme park is expected to open later this year.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue supporting the company through the completion of Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia – a landmark project that will showcase the next generation of entertainment experiences and global innovation,” Bassoul added.
“It represents not only a bold step for Six Flags but also a vision of what the future of theme parks can be. I look forward to helping bring that vision to life and watching this remarkable company continue to inspire millions of guests worldwide.”
Images courtesy of Six Flags
