[gabed]

Surprised no one else has made a thread on this, (unless I've missed it)

From NewsPlusNotes

In what I would classify as a rather surprising announcement, Cedar Fair has revealed that current CEO, Matt Ouimet, will leave the position of chief executive officer effective January 1st, 2018. Mr. Ouimet will immediately transition into holding the newly-created title of executive chairman of the board of directors.

Mr. Ouimet took over the position of CEO at Cedar Fair at the start of 2013, making his tenure in the role almost exactly 5 years.

"I have very much appreciated the opportunity to serve as the CEO of Cedar Fair and I am proud of what our team has accomplished," said Ouimet. "The market value of Cedar Fair has increased by more than $2.6B during my time at the company. This performance provides us with a solid foundation to build upon and a positive outlook for the future."

Replacing Mr. Ouimet will be Richard Zimmerman, who is the company's current president and chief operating officer. He has held various positions with Cedar Fair through the years, joining them when the original Paramount Park acquisition took place. Along with corporate positions and a Regional Vice President title, he also was the president and general manager of Kings Dominion.

"Having the opportunity to lead Cedar Fair is a distinct yet humbling honor," said Zimmerman. "We are fortunate to have an exceptional organization with a deep and talented leadership team. We are also fortunate to be a leader in an industry that continues to have the potential to grow and expand. I look forward to the opportunity to continue broadening our offerings to better serve our guests, as well as providing long-term value for our investors."

No reason for Mr. Ouimet's transition out of the CEO position was given in the press release, so it is unclear if he is moving on to another company or simply retiring early. Either way, he had many praises for Mr. Zimmerman who has worked with him for many years. Cedar Fair's release states that the transition will allow them to pursue "its ongoing strategy of investing in broadening entertainment offerings and new attractions to create greater excitement for guests, and positioning itself to produce strong results for many years to come."

[Edwardo]

He’s only half leaving. He’s still going to be the head of the board of directors so he’ll still be influential. Zimmerman is his protege so I don’t expect to see any changes from their current momentum.

[RollerBee]

Hmm, Zimmerman came from Paramount Parks.

[coasterbruh]

Ok?!?!?

[Edwardo]

So according to the link below, Zimmerman will be based out of the Charlotte corporate office for CF (looks like a big shift on where the copeporate headquarters will actually be), Ouimet is moving back to SoCal, and some major demo is happening at CP.

#panorama #swipeable #swiperight #swipeleft #panols #pannify #spincle #instaswipe #instapan #instagrid #tinyplanet #360photography #panoramaview #photosphere #pano #360 #panoramic #360photo

[gabed]

As for the Cedar Point demolition, I'm guessing it has to do with their 150th anniversary. Maybe a new resort at the tip of the peninsula and a flat where the stadium was.

[Edwardo]

The current office buildings and some back stage areas could be moved back to where Sandcastle Suites was (since the infrastructure is already there) and more cabins added to the campground, allowing for a large space to open up between the park boundaries and Breakers. With the breakers expansion, Express expansion, and Castaway Cay, is day that adding a few cabins would more than make up for the lost rooms and give the park a lot of room to move into.

Just a thought. No one has said that’s the case.

[gabed]

That would be amazing since the current buildings are just kinda awkwardly there. Not to mention all the land that would open up for the park.

[Edwardo]

Also the picnic pavilions over by blue streak need renovating. They could also be moved over by the lakeside pavilion. Plenty of areas to open up room.