Six Flags Appoints Mark Pauls as COO

By Tamara Parker • Sunday, July 05 13:01 • Permanent Link

Six Flags named Mark Pauls chief operating officer, elevating a veteran operator with nearly five decades in the entertainment business as the company looks to tighten execution after its Cedar Fair integration.

Pauls joins Six Flags on July 15, 2026, replacing Tim Fisher, who will stay on as special advisor through Dec. 15, 2026. The company said Pauls most recently served as senior vice president of operations at Herschend Family Entertainment, where he helped integrate Palace Entertainment after Herschend’s December 2025 acquisition.

At Palace Entertainment, Pauls oversaw a nationwide portfolio and led operational efficiency and cost-reduction efforts that the company said improved profitability and EBITDA performance. Earlier, he held senior leadership roles at SeaWorld Parks and Busch Gardens, where he managed park and facility operations with a focus on guest service.

In his prior role at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Pauls was responsible 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 President and CEO John Reilly said Pauls brings “deep experience in the theme park industry” and a track record of “driving profitability” and “delivering exceptional guest experiences.” Reilly also thanked Fisher for supporting the Cedar Fair integration and said his continued presence through December should help ensure a smooth transition.

Six Flags said its portfolio now includes 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 the full picture, make sure to review Six Flags Entertainment's 8-K report.

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