Manby named as SeaWorld CEO
SeaWorld Entertainment has appointed industry veteran Joel Manby as president and chief executive officer, effective April 7.
Manby, 55, most recently served as president and chief executive officer of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned theme park and entertainment company in the US.
Commenting on the appointment, David D'Alessandro, who served as interim CEO for SeaWorld and will continue to serve as the company's chairman, said: "Joel has nearly 20 years' experience and a proven track record with business models very similar to ours – multiple brands and multiple properties in the entertainment and theme park industries.
"Even in the most challenging business environments, Joel has consistently enhanced the performance of the companies he has led for customers, investors and employees alike. He has the experience and qualifications to lead our company into the future."
Manby added: "We are known for our exceptional operations and world-class animal care. My job is to build on that foundation while consistently improving and innovating in a competitive environment.
"I look forward to working with our more than 23,000 team members through the challenges ahead."