The owner of Legoland and Alton Towers has appointed a top sports and entertainment industry boss as its new chief executive.
Scott M O’Neil will start his new role with Poole-based Merlin Entertainments, Europe’s largest visitor attraction operator, on Tuesday (November 15). He is taking over from outgoing chief executive Nick Varney who is retiring from the company after 23 years.
Mr O'Neil will be responsible for overseeing the business operations and global growth for Merlin Entertainments across its 147 attractions in 24 countries. The company's attractions include 10 Legoland resort parks and hotels; six theme parks including Alton Towers, Heide Park and Gardaland; the Sea Life aquariums; Madame Tussauds; Peppa Pig World of Play; the Lastminute.com London Eye; and Sydney Tower Eye.
