ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- SeaWorld Entertainment announced several changes in leadership as the company continues to restructure following the backlash from 2013 documentary Blackfish.
The company's restructring includes many longtime employees. SeaWorld San Diego Park President John Reily was promoted to chief parks operations officer after current Operations Officer Daniel B. Brown announced his retirement. As part of his new role Reily will oversee all 11 of the company's theme parks.
Former Vice President of Veterinary Services R. Christopher Dold was also promoted to chief zoological officer and will replace Brad Andrews who will move to a new role as zoological director emeritus.
Marilynn Hannes was also promoted from vice president of global sales to SeaWorld San Diego and Aquatica San Diego park president.
Related
All of these changes will be effective as of April 1 with the exception of Carl Lum who will replace Dan Decker as San Antonio park president as of Feb. 19.
"These leaders bring to their new roles an extraordinary depth of knowledge and talent and the right expertise to deliver on our strategic priorities," said Joel Manby, president and chief executive officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. "John is a strong and experienced operator who has proven his leadership, both at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and amidst a challenging operating environment at our California location."
The company also announced the appointment of Steve Landolo as vice president of resort development. He will head the effort to construct resorts around the company's marine parks, which is already underway in San Diego.
SeaWorld saw per-capita admissions revenue fall by 2.1 percent in 2015 after ending killer whale shows due to regulatory pressure from groups such as the California Coastal Commission, which refused to give the company permission to breed killer whales.
