Charlotte-based Six Flags Entertainment Corporation just announced that CEO Richard Zimmerman will step down by the end of 2025. The company confirmed he will remain in his role until a successor is named to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Zimmerman, who led Cedar Fair for more than six years, took over as CEO of the newly merged Six Flags-Cedar Fair entity in July 2024. The merger moved the company’s corporate base to Charlotte and created North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, with 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resorts across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — including Carowinds, Cedar Point, and Kings Island.
“The Company has significantly evolved since I first joined what was then Paramount Parks, Inc. in 1987, and it has been an honor to have led such talented teams through critical and transformative periods over the years – not only for our company, but for the entire amusement park industry,” said Zimmerman in a press release. “Since completing the merger of legacy Cedar Fair and legacy Six Flags a little more than a year ago, we have made significant progress on our integration efforts and cost synergy goals. That said, there remains an immense opportunity to further optimize the portfolio and unlock the full value of the Company’s unique assets and intellectual property. We are reaching more guests than ever before and continuing to advance our strategic priorities, which I am confident will enable Six Flags to drive tremendous value creation over the long term. Together we have built a global leader in family entertainment with a resilient business model and bright prospects, and I look forward to supporting the team to help ensure the Company achieves its full potential.”
The announcement comes as Six Flags faces declining attendance and revenue. The company reported $930 million in net revenue for the second quarter, missing Wall Street expectations of $1 billion. Attendance fell to 14.2 million visitors, a 9% drop compared to last year, which the company attributes to extreme weather across key markets.
The company has not provided details on Zimmerman’s reason for stepping down. However, Six Flags officials emphasized their commitment to continuity and a successful CEO transition as the company continues navigating a competitive and weather-sensitive industry.
