USA: IAAPA Appoints Jakob Wahl New Executive VP & COO

The International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) has just announced that Jakob Wahl, former Vice President and Executive Director of IAAPA EMEA, was named new Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer (COO), effective 1 November. In his new role Wahl will oversee the regional operations of the association as well as global sales. Furthermore, he will report to IAAPA President & CEO Hal McEvoy and will lead the operations of IAAPA’s regional offices, the three IAAPA trade shows and further member events.

“Jakob is a dedicated and passionate leader who has increased membership and consistently expanded attendance and participation in the EMEA region’s events, including IAAPA Expo Europe. As IAAPA and the attractions industry emerge from the impact of the global pandemic, Jakob is the right person at the right time to help us better serve our global members, understand the varying needs of our regions and help the association move forward to meet its goals,” commented McEvoy. 

Jakob Wahl started his IAAPA career in 2009 when he joined the association in the position of Programme Manager until autumn 2013. During his following four years at Germany’s Europa-Park as Executive Assistant to the management and Director of Communications, he gained much knowledge about the park operation business. In 2017 he then returned to the association to take over the role as VP and Executive Director of IAAPA EMEA. “I am extremely excited about this new role and looking forward to further serving our members all across the world,“ he said. Wahl will also oversee the hiring and onboarding of his successor. (eap)