Ocean Park chief executive to step down after 12 years

The top management of the two theme parks in Hong Kong has seen big changes over the past month.Weeks after the sudden departure of Hong Kong Disneyland MD Andrew Kam, Ocean Park chief executive Tom Mehrmann (pictured) is leaving the company in July to "pursue new career opportunities" after 12 years on the job.The long-serving chief executive will be replaced by deputy chief executive and CFO Matthias Li starting 1 July.In an announcement, Ocean Park said it will explore opportunities to continue "benefiting from Mehrmann’s expertise by engaging his advisory services".Li joined Ocean Park as finance director and corporate secretary in 1994, and has stepped up as deputy chief executive and chief financial officer since 2007. He has also been a trustee of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong since 1995.Li said he is facing the challenges presented by the changes in Hong Kong’s visitor profile and the intense competition in the region.Besides continuing promotion efforts on the mainland, the park will step up efforts in outreaching more Asian markets such as Korea, Taiwan, India, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, while "Korea and India would be priority targets following China, he said.Ocean Park chairman Leo Kung added: “With over 20 years of experience in Ocean Park’s strategic planning, business operations and development, Matthias embodies our core values and understands well our operating system and culture."He not only commands tremendous respect from our entire staff, but also enjoys a strong relationship with our various stakeholders, from the local community to our industry and conservation partners in the Mainland and round the world."