Zimmerman to Step Down After Leading Six Flags-Cedar Fair Merger

Leadership Transition at Six Flags

Richard Zimmerman, a former executive of Cedar Fair, has announced his departure as president and CEO of Six Flags at the end of 2025. With 64 years of age, Zimmerman is known for overseeing one of the most significant events in the amusement park industry—the merger between Cedar Fair and Six Flags. This merger created the largest regional amusement park company globally, reshaping the landscape of theme parks.

Zimmerman’s tenure was marked by challenges and transformations. He guided the company through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many parks were forced to close for extended periods. His leadership also saw the relocation of the company's headquarters from Sandusky, Ohio, to Charlotte, North Carolina. This strategic move was part of the broader vision for the merged entity.

Before becoming CEO of Cedar Fair in 2018, Zimmerman served as a general manager at Kings Dominion in Virginia. He took over from Matthew Ouimet, who had led the company from 2012 to 2017. The board of directors has already initiated the search for Zimmerman’s successor, signaling a new chapter for the company.

In a statement, Zimmerman reflected on his long career in the industry. He emphasized that the company has undergone substantial changes since he joined what was then Paramount Parks, Inc. in 1987. “It has been an honor to have led such talented teams through critical and transformative periods over the years,” he said. “This includes not only for our company but for the entire amusement park industry.”

Zimmerman’s announcement coincided with the release of the company’s second-quarter earnings report, which showed a decline in attendance compared to the same period in 2024. This downturn highlights the challenges the company faces as it navigates a competitive market.

Jeff Putz, co-founder of the Cedar Point fan site Pointbuzz.com, expressed dissatisfaction with Zimmerman’s leadership and the merger. He pointed out that the merger led to widespread layoffs at the parks earlier this year. “There was no upside for Cedar Fair investors, and the ‘cost synergies’ never made sense,” Putz stated. He added that the layoffs resulted in a loss of experienced staff, leading to a shift towards a more centralized management structure that may not be effective.

Putz hopes that Zimmerman’s successor can address these issues and restore the company’s former strengths. He believes that the current structure does not scale well, as employees are now handling roles across multiple parks, which could impact service standards.

Selim Bassoul, the former CEO of Six Flags and now executive chairman of the board, praised Zimmerman’s contributions. “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Richard for his leadership and contributions since the successful merger of the legacy Cedar Fair and Six Flags companies last July,” Bassoul said. He highlighted Zimmerman’s role in leading the company through a period of significant evolution and his commitment to delivering value to guests, associates, and shareholders.

Zimmerman will continue to serve as CEO until a replacement is appointed. Additionally, he will retain his position as a director on the company’s board. This transition marks a pivotal moment for Six Flags as it looks to the future under new leadership.

As the company moves forward, the focus will be on rebuilding its reputation, restoring employee morale, and adapting to the changing dynamics of the amusement park industry. The success of the new leadership will be crucial in determining the company’s trajectory in the coming years.