Merlin Entertainments Group names Fiona Eastwood its new CEO

Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Merlin Entertainments Group operates several popular attractions in Orlando, Fla., and on Tuesday named Fiona Eastwood its new chief executive officer.

Eastwood was the chief operating officer for MEG before being named its interim CEO in November and has been with the entertainment group since becoming its global marketing director for gateway attractions in 2015, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

MEG operates dozens of popular attractions around the globe, including Legoland Florida, Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Aquarium Orlando and the Orlando Eye observation wheel.

MEG announced Eastwood's appointment on Monday, when she officially became its CEO.

Eastwood "will be responsible for leading the implementation of the business's transformational strategy, and to ensure it is well placed to grow at scale and deliver a sustainable, thriving future," MEG officials said Monday in a news release.

"Fiona has a deep understanding of the business, the strategies required for sustainable growth, and the vision to spearhead our ongoing transformation," MEG Chairman Roland Hernandez said.

"As Merlin's former chief operating officer, she recognizes the significant role each location plays in our ongoing success, and she will be instrumental in bringing our global attractions together into one united business," Hernandez said. "The board looks forward to continuing working with Fiona."

Eastwood in the same news release called MEG a "world-class company with remarkable global reach and impact."

"I have seen first-hand what the business is capable of. My task as CEO is to lead Merlin to new heights with a focus on performance, creativity, operational excellence and guest experience," Eastwood said.

"I am grateful to the board for their support and look forward to continuing to work with an exceptional management team and our colleagues worldwide to implement the business's transformational strategy," she added. "Together, we will drive growth at scale and help Merlin reach its full potential."

Among MEG changes Eastwood will oversee are the planned openings of the Peppa Pig Theme Park in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in March and Legoland Resort in Shanghai this summer.

Eastwood will continue her roles as a non-executive director of UK Hospitality and as a member of the UK Visitor Economic Advisory Council.