SeaWorld Entertainment has appointed Matt Rearden to the newly created role of senior business development officer.
Rearden had served as SeaWorld’s corporate vice president of business affairs since 2013 and joined the company in 2010.
Reporting to chief executive Joel Manby, Rearden will oversee business development and partnership strategy in the US and overseas as the troubled company looks to reverse its fortunes after the ‘Blackfish’ controversy.
SeaWorld has lost several high profile business partnerships following the airing of the ‘Blackfish’ documentary which was highly critical of its treatment of orcas in captivity.
"Matt has been an integral part of this company, leading many successful initiatives over the course of his career with us. His talents and track record make him the perfect person for this position," Manby said.
