Merlin appoints new CEO

Merlin Entertainments, the operator of a number of major Blackpool attractions including the iconic tower, Madame Tussauds and SEA Life, has appointed Scott O’Neil as chief executive officer.

Scott, who holds 25 years of experience in sports and entertainment, takes responsibility for 47 attractions in 24 countries. 

He was most recently CEO for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, a portfolio of sports, entertainment, and investment properties, where he oversaw more than $2bn growth in enterprise value, from $415m to $2.5bn.

Under his 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. It now spans multiple professional teams, real estate holdings, an esports platform, a GRAMMY Museum, a top 10 internationally booked arena, a venture fund, innovation lab and Elevate, a growing sports marketing company.

At Merlin, he takes over from Nick Varney who retires after 23 years. His new portfolio will include 10 LEGOLAND resorts, Alton Towers, Peppa Pig World of Play, the London Eye and Sydney Tower Eye.

Roland Hernandez, chair of Merlin Entertainments, said: “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. The board has every confidence in him, and we look forward to working closely together over the coming years.

Scott O’Neil 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.”