Six Flags Announces Major Leadership Changes With Executive Chairman Stepping Down
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has announced a significant shift in leadership as Executive Chairman Selim Bassoul and Lead Independent Director Daniel J. Hanrahan prepare to step down from the company’s Board of Directors at the end of 2025. The move marks another turning point for the company following its recent merger with Cedar Fair, which created one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world.
When the new year begins on January 1, 2026, industry veteran Marilyn Spiegel will take the reins as the company’s new non-executive Chair of the Board. Spiegel, who joined the Six Flags board in 2023, brings more than three decades of hospitality and entertainment experience, including her time as president of several major Las Vegas resorts such as Wynn Las Vegas, Bally’s, Paris, and Planet Hollywood.
Bassoul, who first joined Six Flags’ board in 2020 and became chairman the following year, led the company through a period of massive transformation—culminating in the merger that united Six Flags and Cedar Fair. In a statement, he reflected on his time at the helm, calling it “one of the most rewarding experiences” of his career. He highlighted the company’s progress in innovation, guest experience, and culture, noting that Six Flags is now recognized as one of the nation’s best companies to work for.
Even after stepping down from the board, Bassoul will remain involved as a consultant, helping to oversee the completion of Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia, a highly anticipated international park set to open in late 2025. He described the project as “a bold step for Six Flags” that represents the future of global entertainment and theme park innovation.
Hanrahan, who has served on the boards of both Six Flags and Cedar Fair for 12 years, expressed pride in the company’s growth and resilience, noting that it is now positioned to deliver “superior returns for shareholders and unique experiences for guests.”
Incoming Chair Marilyn Spiegel praised both Bassoul and Hanrahan for their leadership, saying they were instrumental in executing last year’s merger and building the foundation for Six Flags’ next chapter. She reaffirmed the company’s focus on guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and the ongoing search for its next CEO, signaling an exciting new era for the iconic amusement park brand.
As North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator, Six Flags currently runs 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resort properties across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With Spiegel now guiding the company’s board and major developments like Qiddiya City on the horizon, fans can expect more thrilling changes in the years ahead.
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