Six Flags CEO Richard A. Zimmerman to Step Down

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has announced that Richard A. Zimmerman, president, CEO, and board member, will step down from his role as CEO by the end of 2025. Zimmerman will continue in the position until a successor is appointed and will remain on the company’s board.

The board has initiated a CEO search with a global executive search firm, considering both internal and external candidates.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Richard for his leadership and contributions since the successful merger of the legacy Cedar Fair and Six Flags companies last July,” said Selim Bassoul, executive chairman. “Despite recent economic uncertainty and weather headwinds, we believe Six Flags is well positioned to deliver long-term value.”

Zimmerman, who began his career with Paramount Parks in 1987, has overseen transformational periods—including last year’s merger with Cedar Fair. Under his leadership, Six Flags has made strong progress on integration efforts, synergy targets, and guest engagement.

“It’s been an honor to lead such a talented organization through transformative times,” Zimmerman said. “We’ve grown our reach, refined our strategy, and I look forward to helping guide the company through this transition.”

The board emphasized that candidates will be evaluated for their ability to operate at scale, drive innovation, and cultivate world‑class talent.

In a separate announcement today, Six Flags released its second-quarter 2025 results.

Six Flags reported net revenues of $930 million for the quarter ended June 29, 2025, fueled by an expanded footprint post-merger. Despite this, the company posted a net loss of approximately $100 million, including a $126 million loss from legacy Six Flags operations. Adjusted EBITDA came in at around $243 million, of which $62 million was attributable to the inherited Six Flags parks. Total attendance reached roughly 14.2 million guests, though this was down about 9% year-over-year, heavily impacted by severe weather across key markets. In‑park per‑capita spending averaged $62.46.

Preliminary data for the five weeks ending August 3, 2025, showed net revenues of $680–685 million (a 3% decline year-over-year) and attendance of 11 million guests, a modest 1% increase as weather normalized. Per‑capita spending dipped approximately 4% in that period. The active season‑pass base stood at ~7.4 million units, about 3% lower year-over-year.

In response, Six Flags revised its full-year Adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $860–910 million, accounting for lingering macroeconomic challenges and a reduced pass base.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) operates 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resorts across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The company’s portfolio includes some of the most well-known destinations in the industry, such as Cedar Point in Ohio, Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario, Kings Island in Ohio, and Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. These parks are home to record-breaking coasters, immersive themed areas, and award-winning live entertainment.

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