New COO Mark Pauls appointed at Six Flags

By Greg Peters • Saturday, July 04 13:01 • Permanent Link

Six Flags on July 2 named Mark Pauls chief operating officer, effective July 15, replacing Tim Fisher, who will remain as a special adviser through Dec. 15.

Pauls brings nearly 50 years in the entertainment business. Most recently, he was senior vice president of operations at Herschend Family Entertainment, where he helped integrate Palace Entertainment after its December 2025 acquisition. Before that, he was vice president of operations at Palace, overseeing a nationwide portfolio and leading efficiency and cost-cutting efforts that improved profitability and EBITDA performance.

Earlier, Pauls held senior leadership roles at SeaWorld Parks and Busch Gardens, including president of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. In that role, he oversaw park operations for about 4 million annual guests and a workforce of 6,000 employees. He also served as vice president of operations for Busch Gardens’ Tampa and Williamsburg parks.

Six Flags said Pauls is joining as the company works to strengthen operational execution and improve performance. CEO John Reilly said the company is building a leadership team aimed at enhancing reliability, service and park quality.

Fisher’s transition period runs for about five and a half months, from July 15 to Dec. 15, to support the handoff.

Six Flags says it operates 21 amusement parks, 14 water parks and nine resort properties across 13 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, plus one amusement park in Saudi Arabia. Following these announcements, the company's shares moved 2.59%, and are now trading at a price of $20.99. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.

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