Posted
From the press release:
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) (the “Company”, “Six Flags” or the “Combined Company”), the largest regional amusement park operator in North America, today announced the appointment of John Reilly as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 8, 2025. Mr. Reilly will also join the Six Flags Board of Directors (the “Board”) at that time. The appointment concludes a robust succession planning process led by the Six Flags Board with the assistance of a leading global executive search firm.
Mr. Reilly succeeds Richard A. Zimmerman, who, as previously announced on August 6, 2025, is stepping down as the Company’s President and CEO. Mr. Zimmerman will also step down from the Company’s Board, effective December 8, 2025.
Mr. Reilly brings more than three decades of in-depth experience in the amusement and recreation industry, with significant operational management and strategic growth expertise. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Palace Entertainment U.S. and Group Chief Operating Officer at Parques Reunidos, where he was instrumental in improving guest satisfaction while driving margin expansion across the company’s properties in the U.S., Australia and Europe. Prior to Parques Reunidos, he served as interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, where he helped deliver meaningful EBITDA growth and total shareholder returns.
“After a thorough search process, we are thrilled to have appointed an accomplished and experienced leader with the right skillset to enable Six Flags to reach its full potential,” said Marilyn Spiegel, Chair-elect of the Six Flags Board. “John is joining at a critical moment for the Company, following the merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair last year. With a fresh set of eyes, combined with significant experience optimizing theme park operations and performance, we believe John will harness the best of both legacy companies and will reinvigorate profitable growth at our underperforming parks.”
"I am honored to serve as Six Flags’ next President and Chief Executive Officer and look forward to working with the Board, leadership team, and talented associates to deliver results," said Mr. Reilly. "The combination of Six Flags and Cedar Fair created an unrivaled collection of parks with immense opportunity, and I believe we can reach new heights and deliver significant near- and long-term growth. I am excited to deliver even greater experiences for our guests and value to our shareholders.”
Mr. Zimmerman said, “It has been a privilege to lead Six Flags through critical and transformative periods, and I am confident the Company is poised for tremendous growth and success. John’s leadership track record and passion for creating memorable guest experiences make him the ideal choice to serve as this incredible Company’s next leader, and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition.”
ABOUT JOHN REILLY
John Reilly is a seasoned executive with more than thirty years of experience in the amusement and recreation industry. He has a proven track record of delivering operational excellence and driving financial performance. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Palace Entertainment U.S. and Group Chief Operating Officer at Parques Reunidos. Prior to Parques Reunidos, Mr. Reilly was interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. He earned an MBA from the University of Miami and a B.A. from William & Mary.
When I was a kid there was an Italian restaurant in California (don't remember the name) that had a scale in the lobby, like the ones the weight guessers use. I believe the promotion was just for kids, but the deal was...get on the scale and then you pay your weight at a rate of $.10 cents per pound. If the kid weight 110 pounds, the meal was going to cost $1.10.
Maybe they were on to something...but you can adjust the rate for inflation. (Yes, that was an intended pun).
"You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world...but it requires people to make the dreams a reality." -Walt Disney
There was a restaurant called "The Ground Round" that used to do that when I was a kid and it was penny per pound. I don't think they'd be considered Italian - more like burgers, sandwiches, fries, etc. I remember they also had a popcorn machine. My dad gave me a lot of sh!$ when the meal got over a dollar! :)
I actually agree with the idea of ditching the all season meal plans. I'd still get a couple of the daily meal plans if they are in the high $30 or low $40 range and you can eat every 90 minutes or two hours. That is not a bad value. Why cater to people who are local and come every day for a meal? I don't think this change would move the needle much in either direction.
I like the idea of a tiered approach to Fastlane too. A product that allows you to ride each of the rides once and then a much more expensive product that allows unlimited rides. The program is oversold at Cedar Point. Too many people have Fastlane. I'm not sure of the breakdown on all season vs daily vs Prestige vs single ride, but too many people are in the Fastlane lines. Why cater to local power riders over families that come once or twice a year?
-Matt
You must be logged in to post