The operator behind theme park brands such as SeaWorld and Busch Gardens has confirmed new appointments to its highest operational roles, alongside a notable departure from its commercial team.
Leading the changes is the promotion of Kyle Miller, who steps into the role of president. Miller is now working alongside chief executive officer Marc Swanson and the wider leadership team to direct the company’s growth strategy and daily operational priorities across its portfolio of 13 parks.
Miller transitions from his previous position as chief parks operations officer. His career with the organisation dates back to 1995 when he joined Busch Entertainment Corporation. Over the decades, he has held various roles in park management, culinary, and merchandise functions, including a tenure as park president for SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica Orlando.
“We are excited to announce Kyle’s promotion to President. Kyle is a highly respected leader with deep operational expertise and a proven ability to drive results,” Swanson said. “Having spent more than three decades growing his career within our organisation, Kyle has a unique understanding of our business, our culture, and our commitment to delivering experiences that matter.”
Miller added: “As I step into this new role, I am honoured and excited by the opportunity to help lead United Parks into its next chapter. Our parks have a unique ability to bring families together, inspire guests through extraordinary experiences, and advance our mission of animal care, conservation and rescue.”
Focusing on guest experience
In conjunction with this move, Scott Maupin takes over Miller’s former responsibilities as the sole chief parks operating officer. Maupin previously held the title of co-chief parks operating officer after joining United Parks & Resorts in May 2026.
Maupin brings three decades of hospitality and theme park experience to the position. Before moving to United Parks, he operated as senior vice president and managing director for Merlin Entertainments, overseeing a North American portfolio of 45 destinations. His background also includes senior roles at Great Wolf Resorts and Six Flags.
“Since joining United Parks, Scott has quickly established himself as a strong and effective leader,” said Swanson. “He brings significant operational experience and a clear focus on execution, performance and the guest experience.”
On his expanded remit, Maupin commented: “Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the passion our teams bring to our parks every day. I look forward to building on that foundation as we continue delivering exceptional experiences for our guests and driving operational excellence across the business.”
The corporate reshuffle also coincides with an exit from the commercial division. The company confirmed that chief commercial officer Christopher Finazzo will depart United Parks & Resorts to pursue new opportunities. The operator thanked Finazzo for his tenure and contributions to the business.
Changes in Florida
These corporate board changes follow regional restructuring within the group’s Florida operations earlier in the year. Prior to his own promotion, Miller oversaw the appointment of Brad Gilmour as park president across all three Orlando properties: SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove.
Gilmour brings 23 years of company experience to the role, having started his career at Discovery Cove in 2003. He has held multiple leadership positions across the regional portfolio and served as park president for Discovery Cove and Aquatica Orlando since 2023. In taking on the expanded remit, he succeeded Jon “JP” Peterson, who previously served as park president for SeaWorld Orlando.
Speaking at the time of the appointment, Miller said: “Brad has consistently demonstrated the kind of leadership that puts our guests and our ambassadors first. His deep operational knowledge, combined with his proven track record across our Orlando parks, makes him exactly the right leader to guide our parks into their next chapter. I’m confident our teams will benefit greatly from his leadership.”
Miller also expressed the company’s gratitude for Peterson’s past contributions to the organisation.
Outside of his immediate operational duties, Gilmour is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and currently serves on the board of directors for both Special Olympics Florida and Visit Orlando.
United Parks & Resorts operates globally across seven markets in the United States and Abu Dhabi. It manages 13 parks under seven brands, including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, Adventure Island, and Aquatica. Alongside its core ride and attraction offerings, the company maintains one of the largest zoological collections globally and manages a marine animal rescue organisation that has aided over 43,000 animals to date.
