Six Flags Appoints Richard Haddrill as Executive Chairman

(eap) Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has appointed Richard “Dick” Haddrill as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors with immediate effect. In this context, Marilyn Spiegel will assume the role of Lead Independent Director going forward.

The appointment is part of a series of strategic measures with which the North American amusement park operator aims to strengthen its performance. So far, these included the appointment of John Reilly as CEO, the divestment of seven parks as part of portfolio optimization, as well as adjustments to the capital structure. Since last summer, a total of seven new members have also been appointed to the Board.

Haddrill has decades of experience in the entertainment and leisure industry. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice Chairman at the gaming and entertainment solutions provider Scientific Games (now Light & Wonder). Prior to that, he served as CEO of Bally Technologies, where he was responsible for significant growth as well as a strategic transformation that culminated in the company’s acquisition by Scientific Games. In his new role at Six Flags, Haddrill is expected to focus in particular on improving profitability while driving strategic initiatives for the company’s long-term development.

“Dick is a proven leader with a strong track record of delivering outsized returns for shareholders,” Spiegel explains. “His strategic mindset, steady leadership, and decades of experience scaling and optimizing businesses will be invaluable as we continue to improve performance across the portfolio and enhance the guest experience. Dick’s appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to thoughtful refreshment to effectively oversee management’s efforts to unlock the full value of Six Flags’ world-class portfolio.”

CEO John Reilly also welcomes the decision: “On behalf of the management team and associates, we welcome Dick to Six Flags. We look forward to working with him as we sharpen our focus on profitability and drive value creation for our guests and shareholders.”

“Six Flags is an incredible business, and I believe in the steps John Reilly and the management team are taking to strengthen execution and realize the full potential of the irreplaceable Six Flags portfolio,” says Haddrill. “I am excited to work closely with John, the rest of the Six Flags Board, and the management team to continue building on their progress.”

With Haddrill’s addition, the Board will temporarily expand to eleven members. Following the announced departure of Jennifer Mason at the Company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Board size will revert to ten members. ■