Merlin Entertainments announced that Scott O’Neil, Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board that he has accepted another opportunity. He is standing down from Merlin effective at the end of 2024.
Fiona Eastwood, Chief Operating Officer, will serve as Interim CEO while the Chairman and Board conduct an orderly process to identify a successor.
During his time in the role, Scott O’Neil oversaw several milestone achievements for the business, including the recent announcement of Merlin’s partnership with Minecraft to bring the world’s best-selling game to life in the real world, with the first permanent physical experiences at locations in the U.K. and U.S.
Roland Hernandez, Chair of Merlin Entertainments, commented: “Scott has led Merlin Entertainments with passion and dedication, and I would like to thank him for his service to this company. We wish him well in all his future endeavours.
“Merlin has a proven track record of working with leading IP and brands across its estate, establishing successful partnerships to bring these to life in key locations across the world. Our investment across both our existing estate and exciting new openings, from our Peppa Pig theme parks to exhilarating new rollercoasters like Hyperia at Thorpe Park, means we are ideally placed to delight guests from toddlers to thrill-seekers.
“We’re delighted Fiona Eastwood has agreed to become interim CEO, an appointment that reflects the strength of leadership talent that we have built at Merlin. Fiona has nearly a decade of experience at Merlin Entertainments, and has focused on delivering world-class attractions with the best IP in the world, and exceptional guest and team experiences. She has built a reputation throughout the live attractions and theme parks industry as a world-class leader. Her prior role as COO of the company puts her in an ideal position to lead this transition and build upon Merlin’s mission to be the greatest place to work and play.”
Scott O’Neil, Chief Executive Officer of Merlin Entertainments, added: “It has been an honor to lead Merlin Entertainments as it lays the foundations for its next phase of growth. I look forward to working with Fiona as interim CEO to ensure a smooth transition. She is an outstanding leader who will take the business forward with drive, creativity and ambition.”
Fiona Eastwood, Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’m delighted the Board has asked me to become interim CEO. Merlin is a truly world class company with an exciting year ahead, including the opening of LEGOLAND Shanghai, our first LEGOLAND park in China, and Peppa Pig Theme Park in Dallas. Our business is led by an extraordinarily talented, innovative and inspiring management team, and I look forward to working closely with them to execute our strategy and to continue to deliver exceptional experiences to our guests.”
