Struggling theme park and Worst Company in America contender SeaWorld appears to be attempting to revamp its image – starting at the top by replacing its CEO.
Bloomberg Businessweek reports that current CEO Jim Atchison will leave his post effective January 15 as part of a new restructuring program.
Atchison – who won’t be leaving the company, but instead will be moved to vice chairman of the board – is being replaced by company chairman David D’Alessandro until a permanent replacement is named.
According to a statement from SeaWorld, the ousting is part of a “restructuring program across its entire 11-park enterprise” that will seek to “reduce duplication of functions and increase efficiencies.”
The decision by SeaWorld’s largest shareholder, Blackstone Group, to oust Atchison comes as the parks continue to record flat attendance and declining revenues. Bloomberg reports that attendance at the parks has been flat since 2008, with the most recent revenue down about 8%.
While there are surely a number of reasons for the park’s bleak performance, the company’s negative publicity surrounding the documentary Blackfish likely has something to do with it.
SeaWorld Dumps Its CEO: Don’t Just Blame Blackfish [Bloomberg]
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
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