Universal Studios Hollywood has named Karen Irwin new president and chief operating officer of the theme park.
Irwin replaces Larry Kurzweil who held the position for 17 years.
Kurzweil is leaving to take on the role of president and CEO of Los Angeles-based Lemonade Restaurant Group.
The change will take effect in December.
Irwin was most recently based in Orlando and responsible for merchandising and partnerships for all Universal Parks & Resorts.
"Karen is creative, strategic, focused and a true leader and been at the forefront of our incredible growth in merchandise over the past 10 years. She has a wealth of operational and senior management experience in all facets of our business and was instrumental in all of the development of our incredible Harry Potter offerings," said Universal Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Williams.
Irwin was a member of the opening team at Universal Studios Florida in 1990 and has served in various roles including director of support services for food and beverage and vice president of revenue operations.
