Merlin Entertainments, the British-based theme park and resort operator, has tapped veteran sports and media executive
Scott O’Neil
as its new chief executive.
Mr. O’Neil succeeds
Nick Varney,
who announced his plans to retire earlier this year after more than two decades at the helm.
With more than 140 attractions in 24 countries, including 10 Legoland theme parks and partnerships with Lego,
Hasbro Inc.
and Sony Pictures Entertainment, Merlin Entertainments is one of the world’s largest theme-park companies, behind only
Walt Disney Co.
in attendance.
Besides its Lego parks, Merlin Entertainments also operates “Peppa Pig” parks based on the Hasbro character and announced a deal with
earlier this year for rides and attractions based on the “Jumanji” film franchise.
In an interview, Mr. O’Neil said he wants to further pursue partnerships with companies that have intellectual property that is a good match for its parks. “We will be very active in making sure brands know we are open for business,” he said.
Photo:
Paul Hennessy/Zuma Press
Mr. O’Neil, 52 years old, was previously chief executive of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, whose holdings include the Philadelphia 76ers NBA franchise and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils franchise. He left that position in June 2021.
He also served as president of Madison Square Garden Sports, where he was in charge of the business operations for the NBA’s New York Knicks, the WNBA’s New York Liberty and the NHL’s New York Rangers. Mr. O’Neil said he was drawn to Merlin Entertainments for the same reason sports has held appeal for him, which is to “bring joy and connection” to people and families.
“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,” said
Roland Hernandez,
chairman of Merlin Entertainments.
Like Disney, which last week reported record quarterly revenue results at its theme parks, Merlin Entertainments also believes it has turned the corner following the slowdown in attendance in recent years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the company’s half-year review, Merlin Entertainments said Covid restrictions have lessened significantly in many of the regions where it operates. The significant exception is China, where lockdowns continue to keep attractions closed.
Merlin Entertainments is owned by a consortium that includes Kirkbi Invest, the investment arm of Lego parent Kirkbi.
Write to Joe Flint at joe.flint@wsj.com
Copyright ©2022 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
Tammy Slaton is ready to move on! Three months after losing her husband, Caleb Willingham, the “1000-LB Sisters” star, wants to start a new chapter in her
HOLYOKE, Mass. – A shooting claimed the life of a baby that was delivered after its mother was one of several people hit by gunfire during a fight Wednesday
Ultra sensitive 3D body scanners are a ‘huge step’ forward in treating cancer, dementia and other serious illnesses, health chiefs said last night. Accordi
Doctors should ask patients if they have a gambling problem in the same way they inquire about drugs, smoking and alcohol, according to new guidelines. Bosses
