Alton Towers operator Merlin Entertainments names new full-time chief executive

Merlin Entertainments, which operates premier attractions like Alton Towers, Legoland, and Madame Tussauds, has announced Fiona Eastwood as its new permanent chief executive.

Eastwood took on the position on an interim basis from November 2024 and now officially replaces Scott O’Neil, who departed after a two-year tenure, as reported by City AM.

O'Neil succeeded Merlin stalwart Nick Varney, who left in late 2022.

In the UK, Dorset-headquartered Merlin also manages Chessington World of Adventures, the London Eye, and Thorpe Park, among others.

Globally, Merlin Entertainments runs a portfolio of 140 attractions, drawing over 60 million visitors annually.

Ownership of the company rests with Blackstone, a family-owned enterprise linked to