Six Flags is making some big changes at the top of its leadership team — and while the official announcement is full of business buzzwords, here’s the breakdown in plain English for us theme park fans.
Who’s Leaving?
At the end of 2025, Selim Bassoul, the current Executive Chairman of Six Flags, and Daniel J. Hanrahan, the Lead Independent Director, will both step down from the company’s Board of Directors.
Both men have played major roles during the past few years, especially in guiding Six Flags through its huge merger with Cedar Fair. That merger made Six Flags the largest regional amusement park operator in North America — a big deal that reshaped the industry.
Who’s Stepping In?
Starting January 1, 2026, Marilyn Spiegel will take over as the new non-executive Chair of the Board.
Now, “non-executive” means she won’t be running the day-to-day operations (that’s for the CEO and management team), but she will guide the Board on overall strategy and vision. Spiegel has a strong background in hospitality and guest experiences, which suggests she may help keep the focus on how visitors enjoy the parks.
Why It Matters to Fans
Leadership changes like this might sound far removed from roller coasters, funnel cakes, and park maps, but they can shape what kind of experiences we see in the future.
- Guest Experience Focus: Spiegel has emphasized her commitment to making sure Six Flags parks remain a place families can enjoy together.
- Global Growth: Bassoul, even after stepping down, will still be involved as a consultant for Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia, a massive new park project scheduled to open in 2026. It’s being described as a “next generation” theme park.
- Future Leadership: Six Flags is also looking for its next CEO, which could bring even more shifts in direction and strategy.
Looking Back and Forward
Bassoul said he’s proud of pushing Six Flags into a more creative and tech-friendly company, while Hanrahan highlighted how the merger has built a global powerhouse of regional parks.
Spiegel, on the other hand, is setting the stage for the company’s next era: one that balances innovation, efficiency, and a bigger focus on guest satisfaction.
The Bottom Line
For everyday visitors, you won’t see any sudden changes the next time you’re lining up for a coaster. But behind the scenes, Six Flags is entering a new chapter with fresh leadership and some massive projects on the horizon.
The real story for fans? Keep your eyes on how these shifts translate into new rides, smoother park operations, and maybe even more international expansion. If Qiddiya City lives up to the hype, Six Flags could set a whole new bar for what a theme park can be.
