Ardent Leisure appoints new CEO for theme parks and attractions business

Ardent Leisure appoints new CEO for theme parks and attractions business
By Travel Weekly


Ardent Leisure Group has announced the appointment of Greg Yong as its new CEO for the company’s theme parks and attractions division.

Yong (pictured above) will take over from John Osborne, who has decided to step down from the role for personal reasons. However, Osborne has agreed to consult to Ardent on several projects considered to be of strategic importance for the company.

Yong has held the role of chief operating officer of Ardent’s theme parks and attractions business since May 2019.

Ardent chair Dr Gary Weiss said: “Since John’s appointment as chief executive officer of our theme parks and attractions division in November 2018, he has overseen not only the resolution of the many legacy issues facing the business, but also skillfully and expertly led the business through the significant challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During his tenure, John has built an outstanding leadership team and positioned the business to restore value for Ardent shareholders over the coming years.

“It has been both a privilege as well as a pleasure to have worked alongside John over the last two-and-a-half years. He has been an exceptional and inspirational leader.

“We fully understand John’s wish to spend more time with his family after such a tumultuous period, and we are pleased that he has agreed to remain as a consultant to Ardent to assist in the delivery of several significant projects that are currently underway.

Weiss said Ardent was delighted that Yong had accepted the offer to replace Osborne.

“Greg has substantial experience in the theme parks industry in Australia and overseas, and has played a critical role as a key member of the leadership team in restoring the performance of Dreamworld and SkyPoint,” he said.

“We are confident that Greg will build on all that has been achieved in the business over the last few years.”

Commenting on his departure, Osborne said: “After leading the business through a very challenging and transformational phase over the past two-and-a-half years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe it is an optimal time for me to hand the reins over to Greg so I can spend more time with my family.

“I am incredibly proud of the fantastic leadership team that has been put in place over the last three years.

“Their commitment is unquestionable, and I cannot thank them enough for their hard work and the many personal sacrifices they have made to be part of the transformation of the business.

“Greg is an outstanding executive and leader, and I know that he and the team will build on the platform we have put in place and ultimately restore Dreamworld to its rightful position as the best and most successful theme park in Australia.

“I look forward to assisting Greg and the board on current and future projects and wish the broader Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint family, and the many friends I have made, all the very best.”

Featured image source: YouTube/Amusement Parks News

Latest News

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips

The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]

  • Aviation

Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak

Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]

  • Hotels

Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]