IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has named Jakob Wahl as its new executive vice president and chief operating officer. Wahl (pictured, top left) will take on his new role on 1 November 2021, and will be responsible for overseeing regional operations and global sales for the organisation.
“Jakob is a dedicated and passionate leader who has increased membership and consistently expanded attendance and participation in the EMEA region’s events, including IAAPA Expo Europe,” says Hal McEvoy, president and CEO, IAAPA (pictured, top right).
“As IAAPA and the attractions industry emerge from the impact of the global pandemic, Jakob is the right person at the right time to help us better serve our global members, understand the varying needs of our regions and help the association move forward to meet its goals.”
A dedicated professional
Wahl initially worked for IAAPA as a program manager for four years, working from the Brussels office. Following a period working for Europa-Park as director of communications, he returned to IAAPA in 2017, as vice president and executive director of IAAPA Europe, Middle East and Africa. He will now oversee the hiring and onboarding of a new candidate for this role.
Wahl will report to McEvoy as he leads the operation of IAAPA’s regional offices, global sales, global Expos, and other member events across the globe. He has a German-French degree in Business Economics from the IUP of Aix-en-Provence.
Recently, IAAPA also announced Wuthichai Luangamornlert, ICEA, as its new second vice-chair, as well as naming four other new board members for 2022. Luangamornlert is the managing director of Siam Park Bangkok Co. Ltd.
It also celebrated a triumphant return to IAAPA Expo Europe, held this year in Barcelona, Spain. 8,500 participants attended the show, which focused on innovation and looking ahead, including 5,800 qualified buyers from 3,200 companies, as well as 439 exhibiting companies.
