Merlin Entertainments' Scott O'Neil explains vision to be global leader in branded entertainment destinations

Merlin Entertainments’ Scott O’Neil explains vision to be global leader in branded entertainment destinations

January 26, 2024

Nigel Benton

Merlin Entertainments Chief Executive Scott O'Neil has explained his vision for the company to be the "global leader in branded entertainment destinations and the greatest place to work and play.

Writing on social media following his presentation at Merlin's recent Go Forward leadership summit at Italy's Gardaland theme park, O’Neil explained how he had learned that “walking through the world with purpose and intention brings meaning, impact and ultimately, happiness” and how he is applying that in his leadership of the global entertainment brand.

O'Neil shared Merlin’s purpose “to bring joy, create connections and make memories”, after rolling out the company’s values on the final day of the inaugural Merlin Go Forward (#MerlinGoForward) conference, which he advised were “inspired by reflections and feedback from employee surveys, focus groups and quite a hearty debate”.

The values are:

We Care: We care wholeheartedly about our impact on people, our communities, and the planet. We go above and beyond for our guests; we are uncompromising and determined to set the highest standards with regard safety, security, and welfare. We lead with our hearts.

Own Your Craft: We never stop asking questions, learning, listening, and improving. We do not have all the answers, we are not comfortable with the status quo and we want to be better, do better and get better. We pull inspiration from within and out of our industry and lean into innovation and innovators from across the world.

Drive and Discover: We work and we are passionate about it. We get after it. We have an unmatched will and determination and that sets us apart. We also are interested in what is next, untapped and ready for growth. We discover.

Go Together: We pull together as one global team. We build trust-based relationships within our global network of teammates, collaborating to produce diverse and creative solutions and innovation at speed. We do not hide behind teams, we seek accountability. We are enterprise wide thinkers. We share best practices with each other because it makes a difference.

Enjoy The Ride: We lead and work with a spirit of fun and optimism. We cultivate a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment of belonging; through which we collaborate to produce world-class results, turn challenges into opportunities, and keep the spirit of joy at the forefront.

O'Neil concluded that “sharing these values … with our Merlin family - and now the world - is the perfect capstone to a truly inspiring … leadership summit.”

Images: Merlin Entertainments Chief Executive Scott O'Neil in Sydney earlier this year (top, credit: Merlin Entertainments) and Merlin Entertainments team members (with Scott O'Neil af far left) at the recent Go Forward leadership summit at Italy's Gardaland theme park (below, credit: Merlin Entertainments).

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.