It’s the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator with 147 attractions in 24 countries – and its global HQ is in Dorset.

The attractions include ten LEGOLAND resort theme parks and hotels, Alton Towers, SEA LIFE aquariums, Madame Tussauds, Peppa Pig World of Play, the Lastminute.com London Eye, Sydney Tower Eye and Blackpool Tower and its famous ballroom which is hosting TV’s Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday, November 19.

And now Merlin Entertainments, based at Link House in Poole and which is also Europe’s largest visitor attraction operator, has a new CEO at the helm.

Scott M. O’Neil, a 25-year sports and entertainment industry veteran, takes over from outgoing CEO Nick Varney following his decision to retire after 23 years.

Most recently Scott, pictured left, was CEO for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), a portfolio of sports, entertainment and investment properties in America.

He oversaw more than $2bn growth in enterprise value, from $415m to $2.5bn.

Under his leadership, HBSE evolved from managing a single team, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, to an award-winning live sports and entertainment group.

It now spans multiple professional teams, real estate holdings, an esports platform, a GRAMMY Museum, a top ten internationally booked arena, a venture fund, innovation lab and Elevate, a growing sports marketing company.

He’s also led some of the top athletic brands in the world, including New York Knicks – NBA, New York Rangers – NHL, Philadelphia Eagles – NFL and the Philadelphia 76ers – NBA.

Roland Hernandez, Chair of Merlin Entertainments, said: “Scott has significant experience in the entertainment industry, a proven track-record of delivering business transformation and the vision and ambition to lead Merlin through the next exciting stages of its global development.

“The Board has every confidence in him, and we look forward to working closely together over the coming years.

“I would like to reiterate the Group’s thanks to Nick for his outstanding leadership of Merlin Entertainments over the last 23 years.

“Merlin is one of the best leisure businesses in the world thanks to his leadership, passion, and talent and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

The new CEO said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Merlin family.

“There is an extraordinarily talented management team, a driven, ambitious, hardworking, team centric, can-do culture, and a board led by KIRKBI, Blackstone and CPPIB which is committed and focused on growth and driving value.

“Merlin partners with some of the top global brands including LEGO, Sony Pictures Entertainment and HASBRO and is a business with phenomenal tailwinds, whose purpose is to bring joy and make lasting memories for families and friends around the world.

“Nick has built an incredible business and achieved unprecedented growth in this industry and yet there are still tremendous upside opportunities ahead to continue the momentum.”

Nick Varney, pictured, announced his intention to retire in April.

He is 60 this month.

Merlin Entertainments was formed in 1999 following the £47m Management Buyout of Vardon Entertainments led by Nick, who subsequently became CEO of the rebranded group.

Since then the business has grown from 19 to its current 147 attractions on four continents.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) during the period increased from £7m to £569m pre-pandemic.

Announcing his plans to retire, Nick said: “Merlin has been my life for most of my career.

“I love the people, the attractions, the visitors and the industry.”

Commenting specifically on Scott’s appointment, he added: “I am very proud of what we have achieved at Merlin over the past 23 years.

“We have built an incredible business with amazing attractions and brilliant people.

“I have every confidence that Merlin will go from strength to strength under Scott’s leadership over the coming years.”