After almost 12 years of service as the chief executive of Ocean Park, Tom Mehrmann has given notice of his intention to not renew his employment contract with the Hong Kong resort, effective on August 1, 2016.

 Mehrmann gave early notification of his intended departure next year to allow time for the park to search for a new chief executive and ensure a smooth transition of leadership for the organisation.

 Since he joined Ocean Park as chief executive in February 2004, Mehrmann has been instrumental in leading the park from strength to strength, improving attendance and revenue.

 In a recent letter to the chairman, the executive noted that the park is “well placed for development and continued growth with 10 years of capital programming laid out ahead, infrastructure improvements nearly complete, Water World designed and funded, hotels awarded or tendered, MTR South Island Line poised for arrival, capital funding earmarked for future key developments, and a management team that is steeled by its past and emboldened by its success, while still remaining humble and hungry”.

 Reflecting on the past 12 years, Mehrmann said: “I’m immensely proud of my association with Ocean Park, as well as the staff, management and board for the meaningful, bold and courageous growth initiatives that have taken the park to new heights.”