SeaWorld Board Adds Two Board Members, Expands to 10 Seats

Seaworld Entertainment (NYSE: SEAS) recently added two Members to its Board of Directors.

Scott Ross, Founder and Managing Partner of Hill Path Capital and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. introduced the newest Board Members, Kimberly Schaefer an d Timothy Hartnett.

 

Mr. Ross reported that both parties bring diverse business experience that will be an asset to the organization. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. is a leading theme park and entertainment company that focuses on the intersection of entertainment, education, and conservation. Mr. Ross looks forward to seeing what Mrs. Schaefer and Mr. Hartnett will contribute to forwarding the overall mission of SeaWorld Entertainment.

“Tim brings significant experience working with companies across industry sectors and brings unique skills, and Kim has significant experience in the leisure, hospitality and entertainment sectors, and also brings unique skills, particularly in the areas of operations and marketing,” Mr. Ross said.

Kim Schaefer served as President of Two Bit Circus, a startup that focuses on social interactions, while blending technology and gaming. Mrs. Schaefer previously held several leadership positions with Great Wolf Resorts Inc., including CEO and Director from 2009 to 2015, and Chief Operating Officer/Chief Brand Officer from 2005 to 2008. Mrs. Schaefer has also served on the Boards of the Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company and Education Realty Trust. Mrs. Schaefer’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Edgewood College. Though she no longer remains active, Mrs. Schaefer is a Certified Public Accountant.

Timothy Hartnett earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Boston College, and an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School. Mr. Hartnett has served as CEO of New Roc Management, a consulting firm that offers asset management, operational services, and advice to a high net-worth family. Mr. Hartnett previously served as CEO of White Fall Advisors, providing financial and operational advice to various entities. Mr. Hartnett held various positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers, including Partner and Global Leader of its Private Equity Practice.

In welcoming Schaefer and Hartnett, the Board also voted to expand the size of Director positions from 8 to 10.

The organization will face a variety of challenges and opportunities in the near future, including the planned opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. This will be the first SeaWorld location outside of the United States, and the first new SeaWorld park in 30 years.

It is estimated that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open by the end of 2022. It will be the first park of its kind in the country, and will be touted as the world’s largest indoor theme park. Initial plans for the massive 183,000-square-foot establishment include a marine rescue center, a rehabilitation facility, a massive aquarium, and six interactive entertainment areas. Each area will present themed rides, as well as exhibits about different ecosystems around the planet, highlighting the diversity of the world’s oceans.

SeaWorld Entertainment has been offering inspiring experiences and entertainment, while spearheading conservation efforts, for more than 60 years. There are currently 12 destination and regional theme parks in the United States. SeaWorld also cares for one of the largest zoological collections in North America. SeaWorld Entertainment owns or licenses multiple brands, including Sesame Place, Busch Gardens, Aquatica, and Sea Rescue.

Scott Ross is the Founder and Managing Partner of Hill Path Capital LP, which he founded in 2015. Mr. Ross has previously served on the Board of Directors of Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp., Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., EVERTEC, Inc. and CEC Entertainment, Inc. (the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza). Mr. Ross was appointed to SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s Board of Directors in 2017, and was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2019.