Six Flags Appoints John Reilly as President & CEO
Photo: John Reilly
(eap) Six Flags Entertainment Corporation today announced the appointment of John Reilly as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Reilly will assume his positions effective December 8, 2025, and will join the Six Flags Board of Directors. He succeeds Richard A. Zimmerman, who is stepping down as President and CEO (c.f. EAP News of 6 Aug 2025).
John Reilly brings more than three decades of experience in the leisure industry and possesses extensive expertise in operational management as well as strategic business development. Most recently, he served as Group Chief Operating Officer at Parques Reunidos, where he played a key role in improving guest satisfaction while driving margin expansion across the company’s properties in the U.S., Australia, and Europe. Reilly also served as CEO of Palace Entertainment U.S., but spent the majority of his career – more than two decades – at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment (today: United Parks & Resorts), where he held various leadership positions and contributed, among other achievements, to significant EBITDA growth and positive total shareholder returns.
Marilyn Spiegel, Chair-elect of the Six Flags Board, said: “After a thorough search process, we are thrilled to have appointed an accomplished and experienced leader with the right skillset to enable Six Flags to reach its full potential. John is joining at a critical moment for the company, following the merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair last year. With a fresh set of eyes, combined with significant experience optimizing theme park operations and performance, we believe John will harness the best of both legacy companies and will reinvigorate profitable growth at our underperforming parks.”
“I am honored to serve as Six Flags’ next President and Chief Executive Officer and look forward to working with the Board, the leadership team, and talented associates to deliver results,” commented John Reilly. “The combination of Six Flags and Cedar Fair created an unrivalled collection of parks with immense opportunity, and I believe we can reach new heights and deliver significant near- and long-term growth. I am excited to deliver even greater experiences for our guests and value to our shareholders.” ■
