Monday, March 18, 2024

SeaWorld Entertainment announces interim CEO and other management changes

April 6, 2020 — SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. today announced three leadership appointments. Marc Swanson, who serves as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, has been appointed interim Chief Executive Officer, replacing Sergio D. Rivera, who on April 2, 2020, informed the company of his intention to resign from the CEO position and to resign as a member of the company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Rivera, who started as CEO on November 11, 2019, informed the Company that his resignation, which took effect on April 4, was due to disagreements over the Board’s involvement in the decision making at the Company.

In addition, Elizabeth Castro Gulacsy, who serves as Chief Accounting Officer, has been appointed interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Ms. Gulacsy will retain her role as Chief Accounting Officer. Walter Bogumil, who serves as Chief Strategy Officer, has been appointed to the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Swanson has been with the Company for nearly 20 years and has previously served as interim CEO. Ms. Gulacsy has been with the Company for seven years and has previously served as interim CFO and Treasurer. Mr. Bogumil has more than 20 years of industry experience and will be responsible for corporate and park operations in his new role.

“Marc, Elizabeth and Walter are experienced leaders with proven track records and the right people to lead the Company through this unprecedented environment,” said Scott Ross, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “The Board remains united in guiding the Company through the tough but necessary decisions to best position the business for long-term success.”  

Mr. Swanson said, “This is a unique and extraordinary period for our Company, our industry, and the world. We have a long tenured and experienced leadership team that is focused on managing this business through this difficult time, resuming operations and welcoming our valued Ambassadors and guests back as soon as possible.”  

The Board unanimously approved these appointments and expects the interim roles will last at least through the resumption of operations at the parks. The Board will review the interim roles once the Company re-opens its parks.   

Additionally, the Executive Officers of the Company have agreed to reduce their base salary by 20% until the Company’s theme parks substantially resume normal operations.

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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