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IAAPA has named Peter van der Schans as its new executive director and vice president for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, with Schans set to take up his new position starting April 4
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 31 Mar 2022
IAAPA has ended its search for a new EMEA president, appointing Peter van der Schans to the position to lead IAAPA in the European, Middle East and Africa regions.
Entering the role with a wealth of experience within the attractions industry, Schans most recently served as general manager of the Dierenrijk family zoo in Mierlo, Netherlands.
Prior to that, Schans acted as manager at the Pathé Theatre in Nijmegen, Netherlands, helping to grow attendance at the attraction from 180,000 to 600,000 visitors annually.
Schans also previously operated as park manager for Attractiepark Toverland, in Sevenum, Netherlands, where he contributed to the strategic expansion of the organisation with Avalon and The Magical Valley.
Schans’ new role was previously held by Jakob Wahl, who last year was promoted to the position of executive vice president and chief operating officer at IAAPA.
“Peter comes to IAAPA with more than 15 years of leisure industry experience from a number of attractions including theme parks, zoos, and theatres,” said Wahl.
“We’re excited for the perspective he can bring to the region and to the IAAPA Expo Europe show floor.”
Starting April 4, Schans will be based in IAAPA’s regional office in Brussels, Belgium, where he will lead IAAPA’s efforts to grow membership, enhance member services, and increase participation in IAAPA events including IAAPA Expo Europe.
In 2014, Scahns completed the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers and also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Leisure Management from Stenden University in Leeuwarden, Netherlands.
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