Rob Smith moves on from heading Merlin Entertainments’ APAC division
Rob Smith, Divisional Director - Asia Pacific at Merlin Entertainments Group, has advised that he is to take on the UK-based role of Managing Director, Midway for Merlin Entertainments.
Initially appointed to head Merlin’s Australian and New Zealand operations, during his 12 years in Sydney, his role was expanded in May 2019 as he was promoted Divisional Director for the Asia Pacific Region.
Since then he has had overall management, regional strategies and financial responsibilities for Merlin’s 10 attractions in Australia and New Zealand and Merlin’s 18 attractions across Asia. Key locations include the group’s cluster attractions in Shanghai, Beijing, Bangkok and Sydney with a mix of high profile brands including SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds and LEGOLAND Discovery Centres.
He also was responsible for Merlin divesting its Australian ski-resorts in 2019, selling the Falls Creek and Hotham winter resorts in Victoria to US-based Vail Resorts for a purchase price in excess of $170 million.
On social media, Smith advised "I have loved working in Midway APAC and am definitely looking forward to broadening my experience out to the wider Midway portfolio.
"Under the on-going brilliant leadership, guidance and support of Fiona Eastwood and the collective effort of the Midway teams, we have absolutely fantastic brands in many of the best locations in the world.
"Alongside the passionate teams who continually strive to deliver a brilliant guest experience and brilliant culture every single day, it certainly makes a great environment for further growth and even bigger opportunities."
Smith is also actively involved in Merlin’s Magic Wand, which assists disadvantaged children and the SEA LIFE Trust ANZ which is dedicated to protecting marine life. Passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace he is an active board member of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
He takes up his new role in April.
The vacancy for the role of Divisional Director - Asia Pacific at Merlin Entertainments Group is listed on the Australasian Leisure Management jobs page. Click here for more information.
Image: Rob Smith. Credit: Merlin Entertainments.
Related Articles
11th January 2023 - Critically endangered handfish successfully bred at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
14th December 2022 - Paul Moreton promoted to role of chief development officer with Merlin Entertainments
15th November 2022 - Merlin Entertainments appoints Scott O’Neil as new Chief Executive
8th November 2022 - Merlin Entertainments launches its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan
4th May 2022 - Merlin Entertainments announces acquisition of Seoul’s COEX Aquarium
2nd March 2022 - Merlin Entertainments celebrate return of international guests to their Australian attractions
22nd February 2022 - Merlin Entertainments celebrates International Wheelchair Day with free entry to mobility device users and carers
11th January 2022 - accesso renews global partnership with Merlin Entertainments
25th November 2021 - Merlin Entertainments supports ‘Stop it at the Start’ campaign to help eliminate violence against women
30th September 2021 - Merlin Entertainments prepares to reopen NSW attractions
31st July 2020 - Merlin Entertainments Group’s Sydney attractions offer frontline workers free entry in August
18th November 2019 - Merlin Entertainments announces Legoland Shanghai development
30th September 2019 - Merlin Entertainments announce plans for LEGOLAND Resort in Western China
28th June 2019 - Lego owners lead £5 billion acquisition of Merlin Entertainments
6th March 2019 - Merlin Entertainments’ Victorian attractions reveal school holiday activity plans
22nd February 2019 - Vail Resorts confirm purchase of Victoria’s Falls Creek and Hotham ski resorts
17th October 2018 - New brands and resort theme parks drive Merlin Entertainments growth
