Merlin Entertainments, Europe’s largest and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, have announced the appointment of 25-year sports and entertainment industry veteran Scott M. O’Neil as Chief Executive Officer.

The appointment takes effect from 15 November. O’Neil will be responsible for overseeing the business operations and global growth for Merlin Entertainments across its 147 attractions in 24 countries. 

O’Neil’s appointment comes following outgoing CEO Nick Varney’s decision to retire after 23 years.

O’Neil was most recently CEO for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), a portfolio of sports, entertainment, and investment properties, where he oversaw more than $2 billion (£1.6 billion) growth in enterprise value, from $415m (£348m) to $2.5bn (£2.1 billion, through his focus on talent, culture, and guest experience.

Under O’Neil’s leadership, HBSE evolved from managing a single team, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, to an award-winning live sports and entertainment group. 

O’Neil has led some of the top athletic brands in the world, including New York Knicks – NBA, New York Rangers – NHL, Philadelphia Eagles – NFL and the Philadelphia 76ers – NBA, where success is predicated on building the brand, driving attendance, leveraging data, engaging fans through the guest experience and partnering with big brands to drive growth.

Mr. O’ Neill, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Merlin family. There is an extraordinarily talented management team, a driven, ambitious, hardworking, team centric, can-do culture, and a board led by KIRKBI, Blackstone and CPPIB which is committed and focused on growth and driving value. 

“Merlin partners with some of the top global brands including LEGO, Sony Pictures Entertainment and HASBRO and is a business with phenomenal tailwinds, whose purpose is to bring joy and make lasting memories for families and friends around the world.”

Meanwhile, Roland Hernandez, Chair of Merlin Entertainments, added: “Scott has significant experience in the entertainment industry, a proven track-record of delivering business transformation, and the vision and ambition to lead Merlin through the next exciting stages of its global development.

“I would like to reiterate the Group’s thanks to Nick for his outstanding leadership of Merlin Entertainments over the last 23 years. Merlin is one of the best leisure businesses in the world thanks to his leadership, passion, and talent and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Image: Merlin Entertainments