Steve Shears has been appointed Site Search and Acquisitions Director at Merlin Entertainments, reporting to Nick Mackenzie, Managing Director of Merlin’s Property and Development Group.
Steve has been with Merlin for 10 years – from the original buyout from Vardon - latterly working in the Midway Division managing Merlin’s Madame Tussauds eight global sites. As a result of this move responsibility for these sites will now be split amongst the company’s four Midway Regional Directors.
Shears has also previously been involved in a number of Merlin’s major acquisitions including Gardaland and The Tussauds Group – making him ideally qualified for his new role, with both financial and operational experience.
Steve and his team will play a key role in identifying sites to enable the company to implement its aggressive Midway growth plan – opening 5 new attractions a year. This involves new build activity as part of the rollout of existing brands like Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE, Dungeons and LEGOLAND Discovery Centres – as well as tactical single site acquisitions like the London Aquarium, bought by Merlin in May.
Steve replaces Johannes Mock who left the company earlier this year.
See also:
Merlin Entertainments Group : Midway Reorganisation
Merlin sues London Attraction
Merlin Entertainments Group continues Aggressive Growth Strategy
Merlin Entertainments wins Prestigious "Best Management team" Award
For further information please contact:
Sally Ann Wilkinson/Penny Roberts
Tel: 020 8899 6110
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Email: saw@thefirmcomms.com / par@thefirmcomms.com