Jakob Wahl has been named executive VP and chief operating officer of global attractions industry body IAAPA.

In the new role, Wahl – who has spent nine years at IAAPA across two stints – will oversee the regional operations of the global association.

He will report directly to CEO Hal McEvoy and lead the operation of IAAPA’s regional offices, global sales, three global Expos, and additional member events around the world.

Wahl will also oversee the hiring and onboarding of a new vice president and executive director for IAAPA EMEA.

Hal McEvoy said: “Jakob is a dedicated and passionate leader who has increased membership and consistently expanded attendance and participation in the EMEA region’s events, including IAAPA Expo Europe.

"As IAAPA and the attractions industry emerge from the impact of the global pandemic, Jakob is the right person at the right time to help us better serve our global members, understand the varying needs of our regions and help the association move forward to meet its goals.”

Wahl first worked at IAAPA as a programme manager, serving the association for four years in the association’s office in Brussels.

He left IAAPA to work at the Europa-Park theme park in Rust, Germany, as director of communications, before returning to the organisation in 2017 as VP and executive director of IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).