SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment CEO and President Jim Atchison will step down next month, according to a press release from the company.
Also announced was a restructuring program which will result in “the loss of some positions:”
This effort will centralize some operations, reduce duplication of functions and increase efficiencies and accelerate execution. The restructuring will result in the loss of some positions, and the Company will offer severance benefits to those impacted.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment CEO and President Jim Atchison
“It has been an honor to lead SeaWorld,” said Mr. Atchison. “I am so proud of this Company and our dedicated team members. I look forward to serving as Vice Chairman and continuing to work with the Board, David, and our exceptional team to assure a smooth transition,” said Mr. Atchison.
Atchison has served as the company’s CEO since 2009. According to his bio at the alma mater’s website, he “began his career in 1985 as a parking lot attendant at Busch Gardens Tampa” and “has held leadership positions in park operations, finance, business analysis, and marketing in six of the company’s 10 parks.”
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Chairman David F. D’Alessandro will become interim CEO until the board selects a replacement.
Atchison will become vice chairman of the board and will continue as a consultant for three years. The company’s board of directors hopes to name a new CEO within nine months.
Some speculate that the company’s decreased attendance levels are a result of the “Blackfish” film which has brought much criticism and controversy to the SeaWorld parks for their involvement with wildlife.
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