Posted
From the press release.
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and immersive entertainment, today announced a strategic reorganization to its corporate leadership structure.
Robert (Bob) White, who since 2021 has served as senior vice president of business intelligence, has been promoted to chief commercial officer, a new executive-level position created to better meet the challenges of today’s dynamic consumer landscape and enhance the Company’s focus on driving guest demand. Additionally, Christian Dieckmann will step into an elevated role as chief strategy officer, focused on identifying growth opportunities and driving strategic initiatives at the Company. Both promotions are effective immediately.
As part of this strategic reorganization, Kelley S. Ford will transition out of the executive vice president and chief marketing officer position after serving 11 years in the post. To support the organizational change, she will remain employed in a non-executive role until March 29, 2024.
“I want to thank Kelley for her leadership and guidance over the years,” said Richard A. Zimmerman, Cedar Fair’s president and chief executive officer. “In 2012, Kelley became the company’s first dedicated chief marketing officer on Cedar Fair’s executive team. Since then, she has helped modernize and develop a comprehensive marketing function that has played a key role in the company’s growth. On behalf of all associates, I extend my sincere appreciation and respect for her many contributions to Cedar Fair.”
Zimmerman continued, “I am pleased to announce the promotions of Bob and Christian to new leadership roles within the company. Bob is a proven executive who has held key leadership roles across sales, marketing, and operations over his distinguished career in our industry. His wide range of experience perfectly complements the Cedar Fair leadership team, and I am confident he will make a significant impact on improving consumer demand and on driving growth in our business.
“Christian has a track record of building key relationships and successfully executing organizational growth strategies,” added Zimmerman. “Since rejoining Cedar Fair over four years ago, he has played an instrumental role in shaping our company’s evolution and strategic direction. I am immensely grateful for Christian’s partnership and look forward to strengthening that collaboration as he embarks on his new and expanded role.”
White, who has more than 40 years of experience in the amusement park industry, will be responsible for developing and directing the company’s commercial strategies for guest acquisition. He will report directly to Tim Fisher, Cedar Fair’s chief operating officer. Dieckmann, who has a decade of experience in the location-based entertainment space, including eight years with Cedar Fair, will focus on developing and executing growth opportunities across the company’s portfolio of properties. He will report directly to Zimmerman.