New Ardent CEO to ‘rebuild reputation’
LISTED theme parks operator Ardent Leisure has appointed a new CEO for its theme parks division on the Gold Coast.
Ardent yesterday said former Bond University student and experienced CEO John Osborne (above) would take over from acting theme parks CEO Nicole Noye on November 5.
The appointment follows the departure of Craig Davidson, who left the company in July after almost five years in the job.
Shares in Ardent Leisure hit a fiveyear low yesterday, dipping as low as $1.58 and recovering slightly to $1.595 after opening at $1.60.
In an announcement to the ASX, Mr Osborne said he aimed to “reinvigorate this iconic theme park, restore its reputation and ensure its significant contribution to the Gold Coast economy and broader tourism industry continues into the long-term future”.
“I have a strong affinity with the Gold Coast having previously lived, worked and studied there,” he said.
“It is an exciting time for the Gold Coast and I am looking forward to relocating and contributing to its future growth.”
Ardent chairman Gary Weiss said he was delighted with the appointment.
“John brings excellent experience in business transformation, strategy execution, government and private sector relations and has strong leadership skills,” he said.
Mr Osborne, who has previously been CEO of the listed Lantern Hotel Group, Accor Vacation Club and Next Generation Clubs, faces the challenge of turning around the fortunes of Ardent Leisure, which posted a $88.6 million loss for the past financial year – $26 million higher than last year’s $62.6 million cruelling.
The company’s theme parks division, consisting of Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint, was the major driver of the results, with that division alone recording a loss in earnings of $91.1 million.
Tomorrow marks two years since the tragedy on Dreamworld’s Thunder River Rapids ride, which killed Luke Dorsett, his sister Kate Goodchild, Roozbeh Araghi and Cindy Low when their raft flipped.
The second sitting of the inquest ended in Southport this week and will resume in November.