SeaWorld Names Joel Manby As New President & CEO

Yesterday SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. announced that Joel Manby (pictured) has been appointed as new President and CEO of the company effective April 7, 2015. At that time, Manby (55) will also join the company’s board of directors. David F. D’Alessandro, who had served as interim CEO since January after the withdrawal of Jim Atchison from the position as CEO last December (cp. EAP news from January 14, 2015), will continue to serve as the company’s chairman. Most recently, Joel Manby has served as President and CEO of Herschend Enterprises, one of the largest family-owned theme park and entertainment companies in the United States. Prior to joining Herschend, Manby, who was the valedictorian of Albion College and who earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, spent 20 years in the automobile industry. “I am honored to be selected as SeaWorld Entertainment’s new CEO. This Company has tremendous brands, and for more than 50 years, families have come to our parks to learn about animals, have fun and be entertained,” Manby said. “We are known for our exceptional operations and world-class animal care. My job is to build on that foundation while consistently improving and innovating in a competitive environment. I look forward to working with our more than 23, 000 team members through the challenges ahead.” (eap)