Six Flags Entertainment Corporation CEO stepping down

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The president and CEO of the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, Richard Zimmerman, is stepping down by the end of this year, the company announced in a press release.

He will continue in his role until the Board of Directors appoints his successor. He will also continue his role as a director on the board, the release states.

Zimmerman said the company has evolved since he joined Paramount Parks, Inc. back in 1987. He said it has been an honor to lead talented teams throughout the years.

“Since completing the merger of legacy Cedar Fair and legacy Six Flags a little more than a year ago, we have made significant progress on our integration efforts and cost synergy goals. That said, there remains an immense opportunity to further optimize the portfolio and unlock the full value of the Company’s unique assets and intellectual property,” he said in the release. “We are reaching more guests than ever before and continuing to advance our strategic priorities, which I am confident will enable Six Flags to drive tremendous value creation over the long term. Together we have built a global leader in family entertainment with a resilient business model and bright prospects, and I look forward to supporting the team to help ensure the Company achieves its full potential.”

Selim Bassoul, executive chairman of the board, thanked Zimmerman for his work, passion and dedication.

“The Board will work closely with Richard to conduct a thorough and comprehensive search to identify the best individual to lead Six Flags into the future,” he said in the release. “We are focused on identifying a strong leader with a proven track record of operating successfully at scale while defining and executing a growth strategy driven by innovation, operational excellence, and world-class talent development.”

Parks under the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation umbrella include Cedar Point in Sandusky and Kings Island & Soak City in Mason.