Merlin Entertainments has announced Karim Hajjar as its new chief financial officer (CFO). He starts his new role on 15 February.
Hajjar will report to Merlin’s CEO Scott O’Neil. He will work closely with the rest of the executive team to deliver strong financial performance and accelerate growth across the company.
He replaces Alistair Windybank, who has served as Merlin’s CFO since July 2020. Windybank announced his retirement in October 2023.
Hajjar has more than 30 years’ financial experience at international companies. He has worked as the group CFO of Belgian chemicals company Solvay for the last 10 years. Additionally, he has held many senior positions with Shell and Tarmac Group.
“Karim is a deeply respected financial executive with a proven track-record of delivering strong and sustainable growth and innovation across complex multi-national businesses,” O’Neil said.
“He brings a wealth of expertise from his impressive career working with international companies during transformative periods.
“His leadership will be pivotal to our continued global expansion and ambition of creating the greatest place in the world to work and play.
“An exceptional strategic and financial operator, we are enthusiastic about the fresh energy and profound impact Karim will bring to our executive and broader team, as well as our investor relations.”
New CFO to accelerate growth
As Merlin’s CFO, Hajjar will lead the financial planning, investment strategies and financial management of all Merlin’s 140 global attractions.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Merlin team at an exciting moment for the company as it leverages its strong foundations and realises its full value potential, creating more amazing experiences and memories for visitors across the world,” Hajjar said.
“I look forward to working with Scott and the executive team to deliver on the strategic direction, and to accelerate its growth, further extending Merlin’s global leadership in the sector.”
Earlier this month, Merlin named Linda Zou as its new chief strategy officer.
Images courtesy of Merlin
