Former basketball boss revealed as Merlin Entertainments’ new CEO

The owner of Alton Towers has announced the appointment of former Philadelphia 76ers boss, Scott O’Neil, as its new CEO.

O’Neil will oversee Merlin Entertainments – Europe’s largest and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, which has 147 attractions across 24 countries. His appointment comes following outgoing CEO Nick Varney’s decision to retire after 23 years.

Merlin’s attractions include 10 LEGOLAND Resort Theme Parks and hotels, six Resort Theme Parks including Alton Towers, SEA LIFE aquariums and the London Eye.

O’Neil was most recently CEO for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), which evolved from managing a single team, the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA, to spanning professional teams, real estate holdings, an esports platform, and a GRAMMY Museum. He has previously led some of the top athletic brands in the world, including the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Roland Hernandez, chair of Merlin Entertainments said: “Scott has significant experience in the entertainment industry, a proven track-record of delivering business transformation, and the vision and ambition to lead Merlin through the next exciting stages of its global development. The Board has every confidence in him, and we look forward to working closely together over the coming years.

“I would like to reiterate the Group’s thanks to Nick for his outstanding leadership of Merlin Entertainments over the last 23 years. Merlin is one of the best leisure businesses in the world thanks to his leadership, passion, and talent and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Scott O’Neil, CEO designate said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Merlin family. There is an extraordinarily talented management team, a driven, ambitious, hardworking, team centric, can-do culture, and a board led by KIRKBI, Blackstone and CPPIB which is committed and focused on growth and driving value.

“Merlin partners with some of the top global brands including LEGO, Sony Pictures Entertainment and HASBRO and is a business with phenomenal tailwinds, whose purpose is to bring joy and make lasting memories for families and friends around the world.”