Great Wolf Resorts names new CEO
Great Wolf Resorts Inc., the Madison-based operator of 12 indoor waterpark resorts in the United States and Canada, has named a new chief executive officer.
Ruben Rodriguez, a former executive vice president at Carnival Cruise Line, will take the lead role at Great Wolf on Sept. 22. He will succeed Kimberly Schaefer, who will remain in management as chief brand officer through the end of the year.
Rodriguez said, "I am impressed by the great brand and compelling business model that Great Wolf has built under Kim's leadership. As the leader in indoor water park resorts, Great Wolf has excelled in creating special and memorable experiences at each Lodge. I am eager to work with the management team to continue building and growing the Great Wolf brand, and to delight thousands of guests each year."
The change comes a few months after the purchase of Great Wolf by New York investment firm Centerbridge Partners. Centerbridge bought the resort firm from another New York investment company, Apollo Global Management LLC.
Great Wolf was publicly traded until Apollo purchased the company for $262 million in 2012 following a bidding war.
With roots in Wisconsin Dells, Great Wolf pioneered the expansion of the indoor waterpark concept beyond Wisconsin. The company dates to 1999, when Madison investors bought a Dells resort then called Black Wolf Lodge and rebranded it as Great Wolf.
Besides Wisconsin Dells, Great Wolf has resorts in Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; Grand Mound, Wash.; Fitchburg, Mass.; and Charlotte, N.C.. The company plans to open resorts next year in Garden Grove, Calif. and Colorado Springs, Colo.
Reported by: JSOnline.com
Ruben Rodriguez, a former executive vice president at Carnival Cruise Line, will take the lead role at Great Wolf on Sept. 22. He will succeed Kimberly Schaefer, who will remain in management as chief brand officer through the end of the year.
Rodriguez said, "I am impressed by the great brand and compelling business model that Great Wolf has built under Kim's leadership. As the leader in indoor water park resorts, Great Wolf has excelled in creating special and memorable experiences at each Lodge. I am eager to work with the management team to continue building and growing the Great Wolf brand, and to delight thousands of guests each year."
The change comes a few months after the purchase of Great Wolf by New York investment firm Centerbridge Partners. Centerbridge bought the resort firm from another New York investment company, Apollo Global Management LLC.
Great Wolf was publicly traded until Apollo purchased the company for $262 million in 2012 following a bidding war.
With roots in Wisconsin Dells, Great Wolf pioneered the expansion of the indoor waterpark concept beyond Wisconsin. The company dates to 1999, when Madison investors bought a Dells resort then called Black Wolf Lodge and rebranded it as Great Wolf.
Besides Wisconsin Dells, Great Wolf has resorts in Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; Grand Mound, Wash.; Fitchburg, Mass.; and Charlotte, N.C.. The company plans to open resorts next year in Garden Grove, Calif. and Colorado Springs, Colo.
Reported by: JSOnline.com
