KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 – Sim Leisure Group (SLG), a leading international pioneer in the leisure industry, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Darrel Metzger to its esteemed Board of Directors. Metzger’s appointment further reinforces SLG’s commitment to assembling a formidable team of professionals at both the management and board levels. With his extensive experience and profound knowledge of the global leisure industry, Metzger brings invaluable expertise that positions him perfectly to propel the company’s vision and lead SLG to new heights.
A prominent figure in the tourism, leisure, and lifestyle sector, Metzger boasts an impressive track record spanning over five decades. Notably, he served as the former Chairman and current board member of the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA). Throughout his illustrious career, Metzger held senior leadership positions in renowned leisure destinations worldwide, including Disney Resorts in the USA, Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, Ocean Park Resort in Hong Kong, Sentosa Island Resort in Singapore, and Legoland Resort in Malaysia.
Metzger’s journey began with Disney’s USA Resorts, where he played a pivotal role as the Human Resources Director during the opening of Disney’s first International Resort in Tokyo. Subsequently, he joined Ocean Park Resort in Hong Kong, where his strategic planning led to a USD100 million expansion, doubling attendance and profitability while establishing a strong regional presence. His exceptional leadership skills were further showcased during his tenure as CEO of Sentosa Island Resort in Singapore.
Faced with stagnant attendance and declining profits, Metzger spearheaded a multi-billion-dollar development that transformed Sentosa into a premier destination, attracting nearly 19 million annual visitors. Under his guidance, Sentosa now boasts a Universal Studios Theme Park, 17 hotels, Singapore’s first Casino, and numerous other attractions, including two golf courses, a Yacht Club, and the exclusive residential enclave of Sentosa Cove.
Dato’ Sim Choo Kheng, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sim Leisure Group, expressed his excitement about the appointment, stating, “I have always aimed to have an industry-centric board, and with Darrel Metzger’s addition to our Board of Directors, this vision has now become a reality. His exceptional international and local industry knowledge, leadership acumen, and vast experience will undoubtedly bolster our position as a global leader in the leisure industry and propel us towards unparalleled success. With his expertise, we are confident in our ability to push boundaries, explore new horizons, and achieve remarkable milestones.”
Darrel Metzger also expressed his enthusiasm about joining Sim Leisure Group, saying, “I am honored to join the Board of Directors of Sim Leisure Group. This company has shown tremendous innovation, vision, and commitment to delivering exceptional leisure experiences, a reflection of Sim himself. I look forward to working closely with the board and management team to drive growth, expand the company’s footprint, and continue redefining the boundaries of leisure entertainment.”
Sim Leisure Group, recognized as an international powerhouse in the theme park and leisure industry from Asia, has earned an impressive reputation for its expertise and innovation. With a remarkable track record of creating 300 international theme park projects worldwide, including renowned attractions such as DreamWorks, the John Wick ride in MOTIONGATE™ Theme Park Dubai, Sea World Abu Dhabi, and the recently announced Six Flags in Saudi Arabia, the group’s standing in the industry remains unmatched.
In recent years, Sim Leisure Group has emerged as a trailblazer on the international stage, making history as the first Asian attraction brand to be exported globally. With current expansion plans in Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, China, and Australia, the company aims to become the most successful leisure company worldwide.
The group’s ESCAPE brand of nature-inspired and retro-eco theme parks showcases Sim Leisure Group’s expertise and forward-thinking approach, led by visionary founder and Executive Chairman, Dato’ Sim, who was recently recognized as one of the World’s Top 50 Theme Park Influencers by Blooloop, the world’s leading platform for visitor attraction professionals. ESCAPE offers a unique play experience, combining thrilling rides and games within a natural environment, allowing guests to reconnect with nature through self-directed and self-powered play.
Sim Leisure Group’s portfolio includes award-winning ESCAPE parks in Penang and Petaling Jaya, with another under construction in Ipoh, alongside several upcoming projects both domestically and internationally. In addition to organic growth, the company has made strategic acquisitions, including the prominent edutainment facility KidZania Kuala Lumpur.
With the addition of Darrel Metzger to its Board of Directors, Sim Leisure Group looks forward to harnessing his expertise and leadership as the company continues to shape the future of the leisure industry, creating immersive experiences that captivate audiences worldwide.
