David Willrich is to succeed Steve Birket as president of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) following a unanimous decision by the body’s board for him to lead the organisation.

Willrich – managing director of UK-based AV and multimedia specialists DJ Willrich – will officially take up his position at the IAAPA Expo in November. Willrich has acted in an official capacity for the TEA for eight years, first as a member of the TEA Europe and Middle Eastern Division (EME) Board, then as TEA EME president. He also serves as a member of the TEA International Board and executive committee.

According to Willrich, his goal as TEA president will be the continued growth of the association, especially in Asia where the attractions industry is experiencing significant growth.

“I’m lucky to be coming in at a time when the TEA is in the best position it’s ever been,” he said. “The TEA is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary and has matured a lot in that time. It’s in very good shape in terms of size, administration, financial stability, programming, reputation, industry alliances, marketing and international presence. I certainly don’t plan to stand still – most of the things on my list have to do with further refining quality and structure.”

Willrich becomes the second TEA president to be based in Europe and the third to come from outside the US after Canada’s Christine Kerr and the UK’s Nick Farmer.

“David Willrich is an ideal choice to carry the TEA vision forward at this time,” said Steve Birket, who is completing his second one-year term as TEA president. “His leadership of TEA EME, and the TEA SATE Academy Day programme he originated are tremendous assets that continue to benefit our organisation and the themed entertainment industry. David has the international perspective and experience a TEA president needs.”