Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Ardent Leisure Chief Executive Simon Kelly to leave after just four months in role

Ardent Leisure Chief Executive Simon Kelly to leave after just four months in role
November 9, 2017

Ongoing turmoil at Ardent Leisure, operator of Gold Coast theme park Dreamworld theme park, has continued with its Chief Executive Simon Kelly set to leave the company after less than five months in the role.

The change follows activist investor Dr Gary Weiss having taken on the role of Chair of Ardent’s board, backed by US-based executive Brad Richmond.

In a statement to the ASX, Ardent said Kelly's resignation from his roles as Chief Executive and Managing Director was effective immediately.

Kelly - a former senior executive at Nine Entertainment - took over from former Deborah Thomas in April in the wake of four fatalities at Dreamworld last year and a slump in its US based-operations.

With Dr Weiss reportedly taking a more hands-on role in the business, he advised in the statement to the ASX “the Board of Directors is disappointed with Simon's resignation and would like to thank him for his contribution to the Group and wish him well in the future.”

Media reports indicate that Dr Weiss has pledged to return Dreamworld to 2.4 million guest visits each year - as it apparently achieved in 2015/16 - compared to a reported 1.66 million visitors in the last financial year. However, Australasian Leisure Management questions each of these figures, understanding that in the present millennium Dreamworld's best years have seen it welcome in the region of 1.2 million guests.

Ardent also released a trading update noting conditions at Dreamworld remained challenging, although the business was above "break-even" and operating in line with expectations.

Its US-based Main Event business reported marginally higher revenues compared to this time last year, although the result was flattened by the recent hurricanes that hit southern states.

Dr Weiss added “the Board continues to work collaboratively and remains unanimously committed to the previously announced strategic initiatives.”

Chief Financial Officer Geoff Richardson has assumed Kelly’s role on an interim basis, while board member Brad Richardson will take control of the US business.

Image: Simon Kelly.

26th October 2017 - DREAMWORLD MARKS RIDE TRAGEDY ANNIVERSARY WITH QUIET STAFF COMMEMORATION

21st October 2017 - QUEENSLAND POLICE SAY NO STAFF SHOULD BE PROSECUTED OVER 2016 DREAMWORLD DEATHS 

16th October 2017 - QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENT PASSES INDUSTRIAL MANSLAUGHTER LAWS IN WAKE OF DREAMWORLD FATALITIES 

29th September 2017 - GARY WEISS TAKES ON CHAIRMAN’S ROLE AT ARDENT LEISURE

14th September 2017 - DREAMWORLD TO REMOVE MOUNTAIN SURROUNDING ITS EUREKA MOUNTAIN MINE RIDE

4th September 2017 - ARDENT LEISURE INVITES REBEL SHAREHOLDERS TO JOIN BOARD

27th August 2017 - DREAMWORLD TRAGEDY HIGHLIGHTS LEGAL DUTY OF CARE FOR THEME PARK GUESTS

23rd August 2017 - QUEENSLAND TO IMPLEMENT NEW SAFETY LAWS FOLLOWING DREAMWORLD TRAGEDY REPORT


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Ungerboeck Software

As of February 2023, Ungerboeck Software has rebranded as Momentus Technologies.

read more

Entertainment / Events / Hospitality / Technology / Venues

 
 

Enta Australasia

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd.  Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing.  19th July 2018 - ENTA…

read more

Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

revolutioniseSPORT

revolutioniseSPORT is the emerging market leader in online club management in Australia. Whether it is memberships, registrations, events, online sales or governance tools - revolutioniseSPORT is the…

read more

Recreation / Sport / Technology

 
 

Hydrocare Pool Services

Hydrocare Pool Services Pty Ltd offer 30 years of experience in aquatic industry features, products and water treatment. Hydrocare Pools has undertaken water treatment for aquatic centres and…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Recreation / Technology

 
 

PlayRope

Playrope Aqua-Fun, are the Australian & New Zealand exclusive distributors for Vortex Aquatic Structures International, the world leader in aquatic playgrounds and urban water landscapes.…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Parks / Play / Recreation

 
 
 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business