Merlin Entertainments has announced a restructure of its senior management team, underlining the company’s increased commitment to innovation and creativity.
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From August 1st 2011, Mark Fisher will take over a new role – Chief Development Officer, moving from his current position as Managing Director, Resort Theme Parks. He will take over the restructured Property and Development Group (PDG) which is renamed as Merlin Magic Making. Supporting Merlin’s 3 Operating Groups – Resort Theme Parks, LEGOLAND Parks and Midway Attractions – Merlin Magic Making will in future concentrate on 4 key areas – new site search; production, comprising wax figures, LEGO models and theming; project development; and creative. With regard to the latter, a new Group Creative Director will be appointed to lead even greater focus in this area.
Mark has been a senior director with Merlin since its foundation and has held marketing and operational roles spanning all three Operating Groups making him uniquely qualified for this exciting new role.
Nick MacKenzie is appointed Managing Director Resort Theme Parks, the Operating Group comprising Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers Resort, Gardaland, Heide Park and Warwick Castle. Since 2007, Nick has been MD of PDG and in his new role, will also retain responsibility for hotel development as the bulk of this activity is centered on the Resort Theme Parks Group.
Commenting, Merlin CEO Nick Varney said: ‘These are very exciting times for Merlin and we have very challenging growth objectives. I believe that there remains, literally, a world of opportunity out there for our unique blend of brands, expertise and passion; and both of these appointments are not only key to our future success, but also bring new, different and proven senior management skills to each of the roles‘
