Bye, Bye Ken! Dollywood President, Ken Bell, Retires

After more than a quarter century as the head of the company, Ken Bell is retiring from his role as President of The Dollywood Company with effect of December 2012. Dolly Parton’s theme park as well as Dollywood’s Splash Country waterpark evolved to two popular and award-winning park venues under the leadership of Ben Kell. Dolly Parton announced that Craig Ross, likewise an industry veteran, will assume the role as The Dollywood Company President with immediate effect. Ross, who has worked for more than 30 years in the theme park industry, already spent more than one and a half year as Vice-President and General Manager of Dollywood under the leadership of Ken Bell. “After nearly two years of working with Craig, I know he’s the person who can continue the successes Ken has built for my Dollywood Company over the years,” said Dolly Parton paying tribute to the performances of both. (eap)