BALPPA, the British Association of Amusement Parks, Piers and Attractions has appointed Paul Kelly (pictured) as its new chief executive.
, who took up the role on October 15, is well known within the visitor attractions industry from his long service to Thorpe Park, initially as a student and later progressing to head up operations. He later transferred to Thorpe Park parent company The Tussauds Group/Merlin Entertainments’ London Eye, before moving into a new business development role with Merlin, where he stayed until 2010 before working as an industry consultant.
“We are delighted to have Paul on board”, says BALPPA chairman Adrian Mahon. “He has been in the industry for most of his working life and brings to the chief executive role a wealth of practical experience in operations and commercial activities, from which our members will benefit. He has also had extensive experience dealing with politicians and local authorities and his expertise in this area will contribute significantly to BALPPA’s lobbying activities.”
Paul’s appointment comes after a period of instability within BALPPA that has seen the appointment and departure of two chief executives (Martin Barratt and Jeremy Reed) within 24 months. Park World wishes him well.
