Susan Ang appointed as Merlin Entertainments new Divisional Director for APAC, Midway

March 22, 2023

Leading attractions operator, Merlin Entertainments, has appointed Susan Ang as the new Divisional Director for Asia-Pacific (APAC), Midway, effective 1st April 2023.

Ang’s appointment follows the news that Rob Smith is returning to the UK and stepping into the new role of Managing Director, Midway, Merlin Entertainments.

Ang has been with Merlin for over six years and was most recently the Regional Director, Asia, Midway. With over 25 years of global experience in the tourism industry, Ang is well equipped to support Merlin’s APAC region through its next leap of growth – under the recently appointed Chief Executive, Scott M. O’Neil.

In her new role, Ang will lead the overall management, regional strategies and financial responsibilities for Merlin’s 32 attractions across the APAC region. This includes Merlin’s 22 attractions across Asia and 10 attractions in Australia and New Zealand.

On her appointment, Ang notes “the travel and tourism industry is dramatically bouncing back, and I am incredibly proud to take on this new role at such an exciting time for Merlin. As we look ahead to the next chapter of growth, we’ll be focusing on expanding the current portfolio of attractions, brands and partnerships in the region, and I’m really looking forward to spending more time with the very talented Merlin teams in Australia, New Zealand and China to achieve this.

“Merlin boasts a diverse and inclusive culture, and I aim to deepen this across all teams in the APAC region, achieving our goal to become the greatest place to work in the world.”

Based in Singapore, with regular visits to the region, including Australia, New Zealand and China, Ang will drive the regional strategies for Merlin’s 32 attractions across APAC.

On Ang’s appointment, Rob Smith enthuses “I am delighted to be passing the Divisional Director APAC Midway baton to the very talented and passionate Susan Ang. Susan is a powerhouse within the leisure and tourism industry; she leads with passion and conviction and is a strong, approachable leader with genuine care for people. Undoubtedly, the very talented teams across Midway APAC will drive even further success and growth under Susan’s leadership.”

Merlin’s global attractions include 10 LEGOLAND Resort Theme Parks and hotels, six Resort Theme Parks including Alton Towers, Heide Park and Gardaland, as well as a vibrant portfolio of renowned global brands in city destinations, such as SEA LIFE aquariums, Madame Tussauds, Peppa Pig World of Play, the Lastminute.com London Eye and Sydney Tower Eye. Merlin is continuing to expand, with three LEGOLAND Resorts in China under development and further openings planned across the US and Asia.

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11th January 2022 - accesso renews global partnership with Merlin Entertainments

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30th September 2021 - Merlin Entertainments prepares to reopen NSW attractions

29th September 2021 - Merlin Entertainments ‘confident’ about future despite US$878 million loss in 2020

28th August 2021 - Merlin breaks ground on US$1 billion Legoland Shenzhen Resort

5th May 2021 - Merlin Entertainments offers ‘Dine and Discover Day Off’ for permanent staff

31st July 2020 - Merlin Entertainments Group’s Sydney attractions offer frontline workers free entry in August

4th June 2020 - Merlin Entertainments’ flyer attractions reopen with additional health and safety measures

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