Jonathan Lewis has been at Merlin Entertainments for over 16 years. He was appointed global IP licensing director in 2011 and previously served as sponsorship director.
Lewis leads the negotiation of commercial and legal components of all intellectual property agreements across Merlin Entertainments’ diverse range of theme parks and attractions. He also has oversight of their creative design and successful execution.
His projects have included Peppa Pig Land at Gardaland & Heide Park with Entertainment One, Angry Birds Land at Thorpe Park Resort with Rovio, Walking Dead: The Ride at Thorpe Park with AMC, and The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure at Chessington World of Adventures with Magic Light Pictures, among others.
One person who nominated Lewis said: “Jonathan Lewis’s ability to establish partnerships with major IP holders like DreamWorks, Disney, Hasbro and Sony shows his leadership in identifying valuable opportunities and aligning Merlin’s attractions with globally recognized brands. His role as the leading advocate and liaison between Merlin and these IP giants illustrates his prowess in fostering relationships that drive mutual success.
“Through these partnerships, Jonathan Lewis enriches theme park and FEC guest experiences by bringing beloved characters, stories, and worlds to life. Projects like Jumanji Land at Chessington World of Adventure, Shrek’s Adventure! London, Tussaud’s Star Wars Experience, and Legoland theme parks exemplify his leadership in curating immersive attractions that resonate with visitors on emotional levels.
The successful execution of projects resulting from these partnerships boosts Merlin’s overall attraction appeal and contributes to revenue growth, which supports continuous park enhancements, providing work across all LBE disciplines, and ensures sustained guest satisfaction. Through these collaborations, he ensures that guests are immersed in the worlds they love while contributing to Merlin’s growth, reputation, and influence within the industry.”
Before joining Merlin Entertainments, Lewis was sponsorship manager at BSkyB. He was awarded his bachelor’s degree in history by the University of Wales.