Heide Park managing director is changing hands as Jenny Blask has been appointed managing director of Germany’s largest theme park resort, succeeding Peter Dunn following his retirement after more than 20 years with the business. The leadership transition took effect on 20 July 2026, marking a return to the Soltau resort for a long-serving Merlin Entertainments executive.
Blask brings more than two decades of experience within Merlin Entertainments, having previously spent four years in a senior leadership role at Heide Park Resort before taking on wider European responsibilities. Most recently, she served as regional general manager overseeing several SEA LIFE attractions across Europe, having earlier managed SEA LIFE Hannover for many years.
Her appointment follows the retirement of Peter Dunn, who led Heide Park Resort as managing director for the past four years after more than two decades with the business. Dunn formally handed over the resort’s symbolic master key to Blask during a transition ceremony on 10 July, ahead of her official start date.
Commenting on the appointment, Dunn said: ‘Jenny Blask brings not only extensive experience and a strong network, but above all a deep connection to Heide Park Resort. She knows northern Germany’s largest theme park first-hand, has actively shaped its development over many years and understands what makes this place special. It gives me great pleasure to hand over the reins to her. I am convinced that Heide Park Resort is ideally positioned under her leadership and will continue to develop successfully.’
Blask said she was looking forward to returning to the resort and working alongside its existing team. ‘I am delighted to return to Heide Park Resort and see many familiar faces again. This special place has always been close to my heart. Together with the dedicated employees, I want to shape the future of Heide Park Resort, introduce new ideas and continue its development.’
The appointment provides continuity for one of Merlin Entertainments’ flagship European resorts, with Blask combining previous operational experience at Heide Park with broader leadership across the company’s aquarium portfolio. The move comes during the resort’s 2026 operating season as it continues to develop its attraction and accommodation offering in Soltau.
Image: Courtesy of Heide Park Resort
