Merlin Entertainments reveals new permanent CEO
Merlin Entertainments has announced that interim CEO Fiona Eastwood will take on the role permanently.
Eastwood will lead Europe’s largest and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, which has 147 attractions across 24 countries. She took the helm in the interim at the end of November, after the departure of Scott O’Neil.
The former Philadelphia 76ers boss O’Neil left the business after only two years in the post. He’d replaced Nick Varney, who retired as CEO of Merlin after 23 years, who has since gone on to become chair of the NEC Group.
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.
Eastwood was responsible for Gateway Attractions, including Madame Tussauds, the Eye Brand and SEA LIFE, along with Merlin’s Resort Theme Parks. She joined the business in 2015 as Global Marketing Director for Gateway Attractions, responsible for driving strategy and marketing across an expanding portfolio of brands.
Prior to Merlin, Eastwood worked as managing director of consumer products at BBC Studios, leading the successful turnaround of the division through organisational restructuring, digital transformation and international growth.
In addition to her responsibilities at Merlin, Eastwood plays a leading role in the wider sector: both as a non-executive director of UKHospitality and as a member of the UK Government’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council.
Roland Hernandez, Chair of Merlin Entertainments said: “Fiona has a deep understanding of the business, the strategies required for sustainable growth, and the vision to spearhead our ongoing transformation. As Merlin’s former Chief Operating Officer, she recognises the significant role each location plays in our ongoing success, and she will be instrumental in bringing our global attractions together into one united business. The Board looks forward to continuing working with Fiona.”
Fiona Eastwood, Chief Executive Officer said: “It’s an honour to be chosen to lead Merlin. It is a truly world class company, with remarkable global reach and impact. Over the past decade, I have seen first hand what the business is capable of. My task, as CEO, is to lead Merlin to new heights, with a focus on performance, creativity, operational excellence and guest experience. I am grateful to the Board for their support – and look forward to continuing to work with an exceptional management team and our colleagues worldwide to implement the business’s transformational strategy. Together, we will drive growth at scale and help Merlin reach its full potential.”
Eastwood’s appointment comes as Merlin prepares for landmark new openings later this year, including the first standalone Peppa Pig Theme Park next month, in Dallas Fort Worth. This will be followed in the summer when the first LEGOLAND Resort in China, in Shanghai, welcomes its first visitors.
