Interim IAAPA president and CEO Hal McEvoy has taken up the position on a permanent basis, replacing Paul Noland who resigned from the position earlier this year.

McEvoy was named interim president and CEO of IAAPA in February when Noland resigned to take up the reins as CEO of technology solutions provider Accesso, having been at the IAAPA helm since January 2013.

He joined the organisation as CFO in April 2017 following a 42-year career with Busch Entertainment Corporation/SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

Following a successful few months in his interim position, McEvoy will now head up the global association for the attractions industry, which reached its centenary year in 2018.

"Hal did an outstanding job as interim president and CEO. His vast industry experience, business acumen, affable leadership style and his recent experience working with our members and supporting our team around the world make him the ideal president and CEO," said Hank Salemi, chair of the IAAPA Compensation Committee and park president at Six Flags Great America.

"This is a critical time of transition for IAAPA as we wrap up the relocation of our global headquarters to Orlando, build our new office, hire a number of new team members, and begin to tackle one of the most ambitious strategic plans in our 100-year history.

"Hal's steady and thoughtful approach is exactly what we need to ensure the ongoing success of the association."

McEvoy added: "It's a dream come true to continue to lead the global association for the attractions industry. Working with the IAAPA team of incredibly talented individuals to support the success of our passionate and innovative members around the world is indeed a privilege."

Last week, IAAPA inducted four members into its prestigious Hall of Fame, with Eugenius Birch, Roland Callingham, Carl Hagenbeck and Dr Peter Rosner entering the class of 2018 at the European Attractions Show (EAS) 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.