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Forrec’s Steven Rhys retires S
teven Rhys, executive vice president of the experience design company Forrec, is retiring after 38 years at the organisation, effective
31 December.
Rhys began his career at Forrec in 1982 as a designer, before being promoted to partner in 1986, where he led the master planning of Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, and the master plan and design of Fiesta Texas Theme Park in San Antonio, Texas. Rhys subsequently served for as senior vice president for eight years, where he oversaw the organization’s growth and succession strategy, project planning, and client relationships. “Throughout his many roles and responsibilities at Forrec, Steve has played a critical role in the development and ongoing success of our organisation, including turning it into the global and industry-leading experience design company we are today,” said Cale Heit, president and CEO, Forrec.
Executive change at Dollywood
After more than ten years of unprecedented growth at the helm of Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Craig Ross is moving back to Herschend Family Entertainment, Dollywood’s operating partner, to assume a new role as chief operating officer (COO) of the newly formed Herschend Growth & Opportunity Group. As COO, Ross’ knowledge and expertise in operational management will support the acquisition of new theme parks, aquariums and attractions, and investment partners to fund expansion.
“Craig Ross is a fine man and led my Dollywood companies to a time of great growth but he has some exciting new challenges and opportunities that can take Dollywood and all of my partner’s businesses to an even higher level,” said Dolly. “I wish him well and will miss his day to day leadership but am excited about the future.” Taking over the helm at Dollywood is industry veteran Eugene Naughton. Naughton joined Dollywood in November of 2019 as the vice- president of Parks Operations. He will leverage more than 30 years in various roles at Paramount and Six Flags parks, as well as the lessons learned in
“He is an innovative leader who inspires his teams, pushes boundaries in design, and uses creativity and ingenuity to tell a story.”
As an executive at Forrec, Rhys has supported clients and licensed brands to reach their brand extension and global expansion goals. As some branded clients began expanding overseas, he supported investors and IP license holders to work together to develop branded attractions through strategic planning and design specifically geared to the developing markets in the Middle East, Asia, South East Asia, and Europe.
Over the course of his tenure, he has led the charge behind several significant projects including West Edmonton Mall, Universal Studios Orlando, Fiesta Texas Theme Park, Herschend Family Entertainment, (Dollywood/Siver Dollar City), Sanrio (Hello Kitty) in Malaysia, and various Six Flags theme parks globally, among others.
Craig Ross
Legoland Florida Resort celebrates the holidays
Eugene Naughton
his first year at Dollywood as he assumes the role as only the third president in Park history.
“Eugene has been with us a little over a year but in that time he has shown a true heart for our hosts and for the company,” Dolly noted. “He knows the Dollywood team and the Dollywood brand. His experience will create an exciting new chapter with continued growth of my businesses with him as their leader, I look forward to working with him as we face this new decade together.”
Dollywood is currently operating its award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival. The park closes for the 2020 season on January 3, 2021.
18
Families are experiencing the festive fun of Legoland Florida Resort’s annual tradition, Holidays at Legoland, Winter Haven, Florida, enjoying an all-new seasonal show and interactive experiences, plus exclusive Lego characters in the ultimate family holiday celebration. The event started on 27 November and is running on select dates through to New Year’s Eve. Inside the Legoland Fun Town Theater, Mrs. Claus’ crew of holiday helpers and Lego Gingerbread Man find themselves in a delicious dilemma as they sing, dance, and work together through some frosty fun in the new, original musical stage show, The Very Merry Mix-Up. Families can explore the all- new Holiday Village Postal Service where children can handwrite letters to Lego Santa himself. At this interactive post office, children are able to watch through digital screens as their special letters travel directly to the North Pole. The whole family can hop aboard Fun Town’s multi-level carousel and join our all-new holiday sing-along. In accordance to park guidelines, masks are required on this ride.
DECEMBER 2020
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