The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) today announced that IAAPA President and CEO Chip Cleary is to step down at the end of 2012. Paul Noland is to take his place from 1 January 2013.
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Having decided to move back into a leadership position within the theme park industry, Chip Cleary said, “I have enjoyed my experience as President and CEO of IAAPA and I am proud of all we have accomplished. We have more work to do and we will continue to move the association forward between now and the end of the year. I look forward to once again planning and developing attractions and entertaining guests so I am excited about returning to the theme park industry.”
Roland Mack, Managing Partner of Europa-Park and Mack Rides in Germany and 2012 IAAPA Chairman of the Board was full of praise for Cleary’s accomplishments in the role: “Chip has accomplished a great deal as president and CEO of IAAPA. He restructured the association’s global sales team; upgraded IAAPA’s technology and critical operating systems; led the development and introduction of a new intellectual property program; overhauled the organization’s budget and expense management processes; and ensured the success of the association’s trade shows around the world … an impressive list of accomplishments in a short period of time.”
Mack went on to say, “We are fortunate to have Paul lined up to lead IAAPA after Chip leaves. Chip has made a real difference in our association and we greatly appreciate all he has done. Paul’s proven track record, analytical acumen, and leadership skills will allow him to build on Chip’s success so we can accomplish the aggressive strategic initiatives the board has established for IAAPA’s future.”
Noland, who is currently Principal and CEO of attractions industry consulting and project management firm RPN Associates, was previously an executive with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in various senior management roles. He has been a member of the IAAPA Board of Directors since 2009 and serves as chairman of the IAAPA Audit Committee.
“I am excited about this great opportunity with an organization I respect in an industry I love, ” said Noland. “I look forward to working with our members and their diverse businesses around the world to move our association forward together.”
