WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, has appointed an attractions technology veteran, Michael Jungen, as the new president of Vantage Technology Ltd., which is part of WhiteWater’s family of companies. The Vantage platform helps operators to unify their systems around their guests, for seamless, personalised experiences that boost satisfaction. It collates powerful data that shows visitor behaviour in real-time, unlocking revenue opportunities for venues and streamlining their operations.
Jungen, who has previously worked for both Disney and Carnival, has a strong track record of implementing state-of-the-art technologies for the attractions and hospitality industries. His experience in practical digital transformation and location-based entertainment makes him an ideal choice to take Vantage forward.
Elevating the guest experience
Speaking about the new appointment, Aaron Mendelson, senior vice president at Vantage, says: “Michael and I are kindred spirits; we both grew up in the amusement industry and found a passion for elevating the guest experience through technology. I’m looking forward to collaborating and helping Vantage achieve its potential.”
Jungen worked for Disney for over two decades, and during this time was instrumental in the Disney Parks Next Generation Experience (NGE) project, leading the invention, development, and implementation of MagicBand and MyMagic+. Before working on this project, he also directed teams responsible for innovation initiatives, including single-finger biometrics at park entrances and the Disney Gift Card.
Following his years at Disney, Jungen went on to hold a leadership role at Carnival Corporation, where he helped to develop and implement Carnival’s game-changing Ocean Medallion guest experience platform. In his most recent post, Jungen was global vice president of CX Solutions Technology for Aristocrat Gaming, where he has been working to shape the future of customer experience engagement platforms. He will now continue in this space at Vantage.
“I have long said the enduring success of WhiteWater is a direct result of the talent we attract. Michael Jungen is no exception, and I’m delighted to welcome him into our ranks. He is going to scale Vantage to help parks around the world take their performance to the next level,” says WhiteWater CEO, Geoff Chutter.
Jungen adds: “It is as if my entire career has been preparing me for this position. In Vantage, I see a platform which can revolutionize how parks connect to both their employees and guests. It is a game-changer, and I’m thrilled to take the lead. It perfectly fits my vision to help make venues welcoming, engaging places for all who enter.”
Earlier this month, WhiteWater announced that more than seventy new projects will open during the 2022 season.
