A Leading international leisure industry pioneer, Sim Leisure Group (SLG), is delighted to announce the appointment of Darrel Metzger to its Board of Directors. The appointment of Metzger follows several senior appointments within Sim Leisure Group last year, including Phil Whitaker as Chief Executive Officer, and the assignment of industry veteran, Steve Peet into the Board of Directors.
With Metzger’s appointment, Sim Leisure Group further solidifies its commitment to build a formidable team of professionals at management and board level. Metzger’s vast experience and extensive knowledge of the global leisure industry make him an invaluable addition to the team, perfectly positioned to drive the group’s vision and lead the company to new heights.
A prominent figure in the tourism, leisure, and lifestyle sector, Metzger brings with him an impressive track record spanning over five decades. Notably, he served as the former Chairman and is the current board member of the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA). Throughout his illustrious career, Metzger held senior leadership positions in renowned leisure destinations around the world, including Disney Resorts, USA; Tokyo Disney Resort, Japan; Ocean Park Resort, Hong Kong; Sentosa Island Resort, Singapore; and Legoland Resort, Malaysia.
Metzger’s career began with Disney’s USA Resorts, where he played a pivotal role as the Human Resources Director during the opening of Disney’s first International Resort in Tokyo. Subsequently, he joined Ocean Park Resort, Hong Kong, where he successfully implemented a long-term strategic plan resulting in a USD100M expansion, doubling attendance and profitability while establishing a strong regional presence.
Metzger’s exceptional leadership skills were further demonstrated during his tenure as the CEO of Sentosa Island Resort, Singapore. With the resort facing stagnant attendance and declining profits, he spearheaded a multi-billion-dollar development that transformed Sentosa into a premier destination, attracting nearly 19 million annual visitors. Inspired by his guidance, Sentosa now boasts a Universal Studios Theme Park, 17 hotels, Singapore’s first Casino, and numerous other attractions including two golf courses, a Yacht Club, and the exclusive residential enclave of Sentosa Cove.
Dato’ Sim Choo Kheng, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sim Leisure Group, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the appointment, stating, “I have always wanted to have an industry-centric board and with Darrel Metzger’s appointment to our Board of Directors this has now been realised. His exceptional industry knowledge internationally and locally, leadership acumen, and international experience will undoubtedly bolster our position as a global leader in the leisure industry, and boost our quest towards world domination. With his expertise, we are confident in our ability to push boundaries, explore new horizons, and achieve unparalleled success.”
Darrel Metzger also shared his excitement about joining Sim Leisure Group, stating, “I am honoured to join the Board of Directors of Sim Leisure Group. This company has shown tremendous innovation, vision, and a commitment to delivering exceptional leisure experiences, a fitting reflection of Sim himself. I look forward to working closely with the board and management team to drive growth, expand the company’s footprint, and continue redefining the boundaries of leisure entertainment.”
Recognized as an international powerhouse in the theme park and leisure industry from Asia, Sim Leisure Group has garnered an impressive reputation for its expertise and innovation. With a track record of creating 300 international theme park projects worldwide, including renowned attractions such as DreamWorks, the John Wick ride in MOTIONGATE™ Theme Park Dubai, and Sea World Abu Dhabi and just recently Six Flags in Saudi Arabia, the group’s standing in the industry is unrivalled.
In recent times, Sim Leisure Group has emerged a trailblazer in the international arena, making history by spearheading the first Asian attraction brand to be exported globally. With current plans to expand in Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, China and Australia, the company aims to become the most successful leisure company worldwide.
The group’s ESCAPE brand of nature-inspired and retro-eco theme parks showcases Sim Leisure Group’s expertise and forward-thinking approach, led by visionary founder and Executive Chairman, Dato’ Sim, who was recently inducted into the list of the World’s Top 50 Theme Park Influencers by Blooloop, the world’s leading platform for visitor attraction professionals. ESCAPE offers a unique play experience, combining thrilling rides and games hosted within a natural environment, allowing guests to reconnect with nature through self-directed and self-powered play.
Sim Leisure Group’s portfolio includes award-winning ESCAPE parks in Penang and Petaling Jaya, with another under construction in Ipoh, which is among several upcoming projects both locally and internationally. In addition to its organic growth, the company has made strategic acquisitions, including the prominent edutainment facility KidZania Kuala Lumpur.
And now, with the appointment of Darrel Metzger, Sim Leisure Group looks forward to leveraging on his expertise and leadership as the company continues to shape the future of the leisure industry, creating immersive experiences that captivate audiences worldwide.
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