Merlin Entertainments Welcomes Karim Hajjar as New CFO

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Merlin Entertainments, a prominent leader in the attractions and entertainment industry on a global scale, has officially named Karim Hajjar as their new Chief Financial Officer. With an extensive career spanning over three decades in various international companies across different sectors, Hajjar is poised to oversee the financial planning and investment strategies for Merlin’s 140 attractions worldwide, including new resorts, M&A opportunities, and shareholder management.

Commencing on the 15th of February 2024, Karim Hajjar will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Alistair Windybank, who has held this position since July 2020 and is scheduled for retirement later this year. Hajjar’s considerable financial expertise, particularly in his role as the Group CFO of Belgian chemicals company Solvay, where he significantly contributed to achieving record financial performance, makes him a valuable addition to the Merlin team.

In expressing his excitement for the new position, Karim Hajjar remarked, “I am delighted to be joining the Merlin team at a pivotal moment for the company as it capitalizes on its solid foundations and realizes its full value potential, providing visitors across the globe with more remarkable experiences and memories.”

CEO of Merlin Entertainments, Scott O’Neil, also conveyed his full confidence in Hajjar, stating, “Karim is a highly esteemed financial executive with a proven track record of delivering robust and sustainable growth and innovation within complex multinational enterprises. His leadership will be crucial to our ongoing global expansion and our goal of creating the premier destination in the world for work and play.”

O’Neil also took the opportunity to express gratitude to Alistair Windybank for his exceptional contributions to Merlin over the past 15 years and extended his best wishes for Windybank’s retirement. With the addition of Karim Hajjar to their executive team, Merlin Entertainments eagerly anticipates the fresh perspective and significant impact that he will bring to the company and its investor relations.

This appointment signifies a significant step towards the future growth and success of Merlin Entertainments as they continue to work towards their objective of delivering unforgettable experiences for people worldwide. Hajjar’s expertise and experience are poised to play a pivotal role in driving Merlin’s global leadership in the attractions and entertainment sector, and the company eagerly looks forward to the positive influence of his appointment in the years ahead.

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