Toby Forer has been appointed General Manager of the London Aquarium following the attraction’s recent acquisition by Merlin Entertainments. Merlin is Europe’s leading visitor attraction operator, and owner of the world’s biggest aquarium brand – SEA LIFE.
Toby, who has been with Merlin since 1987, was previously responsible for the strategic development and management of one of the Group’s primary SEA LIFE attractions, in Brighton. His experience there, and in-depth knowledge of both working in a marine environment, and developing world class displays which are environmentally sound but which also have the ‘wow’ factor for visitors, make Toby ideally suited to his new role. Over recent weeks he has already begun working with the team on a comprehensive £5m refurbishment plan for the London Aquarium which will bring the best of SEA LIFE’s interactive and fun education elements, to the existing exciting displays.
He officially ‘takes over’ however on May 22nd, which is the day the deal completes – and he can’t wait…. Commenting Toby said; “I am absolutely delighted to be leading the team at the London Aquarium, it is great attraction with great people, and a great location – in the heart of the Capital. We will be starting work on the refurbishments almost at once, and within a few months the attraction will be real flagship for Merlin – and a must-do for both local and overseas visitors.”
The London Aquarium will be managed as part of Merlin’s London attraction group alongside The London Eye, Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon, under the stewardship of David Sharpe; Divisional Director, London Midway Attractions.
For further information please contact:
Sally Ann Wilkinson/Penny Roberts
Tel: 020 8899 6110
Mobile: 07774 415372/ 07887 542490
Home: 020 8948 3725 (Sally Ann Wilkinson)
Email: saw@thefirmcomms.com / par@thefirmcomms.com
See also: Merlin Buys London Aquarium
Note: image used on home page: photograph by Tim Laman, shrimp and anchor coral, copyright National Geographic Society
