The Board of Directors at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company has named John Lawn as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Lawn succeeds Bill Simpson, who is retiring at the end of the year and will hold the title of CEO Emeritus until his retirement.
“Our entire board is pleased to name as CEO someone with John’s qualifications, experience and most importantly, dedication to HE&R and its mission to support the Milton Hershey School,” said Eric Henry, CEO/Chief Investment Officer of Hershey Trust Company and HE&R Board Chair. “Throughout his 13 years with the company, John has been instrumental in its growth and enhanced focus on customer service and the guest experience. The company is well-positioned to continue its growth in the coming years. John is the ideal person to lead this important phase of HE&R’s progression.Ó
This announcement is the culmination of the succession plan established when Mr Simpson announced his retirement in June 2016 and Mr Lawn was named President in October 2016.
Mr Lawn joined HE&R in 2004 as Director of Food & Beverage at Hersheypark Entertainment Complex. He then served as Assistant General Manager of Hersheypark Entertainment Complex from May 2005 to February 2010. In early 2010, Mr Lawn was promoted to Associate Vice President of Operations. Mr Lawn was named Chief Operating Officer in June 2015 and President in October 2016.
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