Mark Shapiro named CEO of Six Flags, board stops sale

Posted | Contributed by SF Critic

Former ESPN programming director Mark Shapiro is the new president and chief executive officer of Oklahoma City-based theme-park giant Six Flags Inc., the company announced on Tuesday. At a board meeting in New York, Six Flags directors voted to replace longtime CEO Kieran Burke with Shapiro and decided not to sell the company, Shapiro said in a brief telephone interview with The Associated Press. They also said they would not sell the company, unhappy with the bids.

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Na Na Na, Hey Hey Hey... Goodbye!!!

Looks like Burke was just putting up a smoke screen.

*** This post was edited by coasterguts 12/13/2005 9:51:48 PM ***

The next few years should be interesting. I want to see where Shapiro and Co. do with the company.

So I wonder which parks will get the most attention????

timmyk

That's a stupid question. It'll be the parks that require "attention" to make more money.

Well whoever got to look at the company's books just got a free pass.

Interesting choices for Board Members. Both Kemp and Weinstein have been extremely successful in their fields, but once again we fail to see anyone who has any experience in the amusement industry. The company seems to be favoring people who have knowledge of the media industry and economics; it should be interesting to see if they can translate their talents into a successful plan for turning Six Flags around.

Well, I'm just curious as to how this is going to pan out. I guess for sure now it's safe to say that a new major coaster for any of the Six Flags parks for the next couple of years is out of the question. I'm glad we got our Tatsu before this really blew up, But in all seriousness, I do hope they fix the flaws deep within since they are now incorparating 3 new members with some degree of experience.

I wasn't a enthusiast when Time Warner owned SF. Did an amusement park veteran run the company?

Gary Story, the former President, COO and Director of Six Flags at various times spent his entire career in the industry. IAAPA has a biography of him here.

At least they are adding entertainment professionals instead of finance executives to the board.

Don't get me wrong, I like sports as much as the next guy. But what I fear is that instead of attracting a lot of teenaged coaster riding thrill seekers to Six Flags, Shapiro, Snyder and crew will try things that will entice beer guzzling, loud mouthed sports fans to the parks just because they think these are the people who will spend money. This won't improve the "family friendly" atmosphere they say they want. They need to get out to the parks and see what really ails them and maybe talk to some of the true theme park fans. We all know that for the most part customer service, themeing, ride reliability are just a few items that need to be addressed. Raising the roof on prices, corporate tie ins to rides,games or food won't bring the masses in, nor will giving the gate away. I really hope they all take a good hard look at the parks and do what ever is needed to bring things back and not just look for places where they can slap advertising billboards to make a fast buck to line their pockets.

Actuallly, Shapiro made a visit to SFMM this past weekend.

I wonder what type of bs Dell Holland fed him, and if he bought it. ;)

I don't know if this is a good thing or bad thing. Will Mr. Six stay?

"We're going to unleash a new creative energy from this company and we're going to make Six Flags a destination instead of a field trip," Shapiro said

I like this guy already. He also says that...

his first order of business is to visit each of the company's nearly 30 theme parks over the next month, evaluate the current management structure and "light a fire under this company.".

Exactily the hands on management that get results. It sounds like Shapiro is going to be passionate about his new job. I predict great things ahead for SF. I like this guys attitude.

If things really improve, maybe I will be visiting more often.

I don't think Mr. Six has passed away yet. A commerical for SF season passes featuring Mr. Six is still on the SF home page and I just got Season Passholders newsletter featuring Mr. Six selling the season pass. Doesn't look like the guy is resting in Shady Oaks this off season. :)