Pigeon Forge, TN, USA /BUSINESS WIRE/ — After more than a quarter century at the helm, industry veteran and park innovator Ken Bell is retiring from his role as President of The Dollywood Company. Under his leadership Dolly Parton’s theme park has garnered the theme park industry’s highest honor, the Applause Award, and achieved the status as the number one show park in the world. In addition, Bell grew Parton’s park to include an award-winning waterpark, Dollywood’s Splash Country, and launched a hospitality company. Bell also sits on the boards of directors for Parton’s Dixie Stampede and Pirate’s Voyage dinner theatre chain.
“After nearly two years of working with Craig, I know he’s the person who can continue the successes Ken has built for my Dollywood Company over the years,” Parton said. “I am looking forward to the future!” Parton announced that Craig Ross, industry veteran, will assume the role as The Dollywood Company President, effective immediately.
Ross has worked for more than 30 years in the theme park industry with the last year spent as Vice-President and General Manager of Dollywood under Bell. Ross’ first season marked the launch of Wild Eagle, the first wing coaster in the US and the park’s largest capital addition to date.
“I am honored to soon have this very special opportunity to carry on the high level of quality and balanced leadership that the Dollywood team has come to expect. I am thrilled to have such a wonderful and talented team to help me grow The Dollywood Company and its world-class brand,” Ross said.
Based in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is a 150-acre family adventure park which operates nine months a year (late March through December) and offers more than 40 rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. A family-friendly vacation destination, Dollywood also includes the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country, voted America’s “Must-See Waterpark.” Dollywood offers all-inclusive vacation planning with a variety of overnight lodging options. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit www.dollywood.com.
