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The basics:

• Six Flags names Fehnel president of Great Adventure in Jackson
• Appointment follows company-wide leadership restructuring after $8B merger
• Fehnel previously held roles at Carowinds, Dorney Park, Cedar Fair
• Will oversee operations, guest experience, financial performance

Six Flags Great Adventure has tapped an industry veteran as president of the Jackson theme park.

Six Flags Entertainment Corp. named Mike Fehnel to lead the company’s New Jersey operations in an April 22 announcement. Considered one of Six Flags’ flagship destinations, the property includes a theme park, water park, drive-thru safari, and luxury resort & spa.

Fehnel began his career in 1992 as a seasonal associate at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Pennsylvania. He then went on to serve as general manager of that park. Fehnel’s background also includes a general manager post at Carowinds in North Carolina and corporate roles with Cedar Fair Entertainment Co.

He joined the Six Flags family in July 2024 after an $8 billion merger brought rivals Six Flags and Cedar Fair together to create the largest amusement park operator in the U.S.

At that time, Six Flags appointed Fehnel to helm strategic initiatives for merchandise, games and extra charge attractions, according to his LinkedIn profile. Last summer, the company designated him as Great Adventure park manager.

He described the latest promotion as “an incredible honor.”

“This park holds a special place not just in my childhood memories, but in the hearts of our guests and associates. I’m excited to build on its iconic legacy, working alongside our dedicated team to create unforgettable experiences and drive the park’s next chapter,” he went on.

‘The right leaders in place’

Fehnel is among the 10 park presidents named this week to lead key Six Flags properties.

After eliminating the role company-wide last year, Six Flags reintroduced the position as part of an effort to better support each park’s needs and strengthen performance across its portfolio. According to Six Flags, each president will oversee day-to-day operations, financial results and the overall guest experience at their location.

The company also selected new leaders for Canada’s Wonderland, Carowinds, Cedar Point, Kings Island, Knott’s Berry Farm, Great America, Magic Mountain, Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags Over Texas, the company said.

Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly said, “These changes are about putting leadership, expertise and accountability as close to our guests and team members as possible. By strengthening park-level leadership, and aligning our support model with our strategic priorities, we’re empowering our teams to move faster, innovate locally and deliver exceptional experiences every day.”

The ultimate goal is simple: to consistently deliver the best possible guest and team member experience across all parks.
—John Reilly, president and CEO, Six Flags

“The ultimate goal is simple: to consistently deliver the best possible guest and team member experience across all parks,” Reilly added. “With the introduction of these park presidents, we are confident we have the right leaders in place to unlock the full potential of our parks and elevate performance.”

Six Flags operates 21 theme parks, 14 water parks and nine resort properties across 13 states in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.