Sim Leisure Group (SLG) announced the appointment of Darrel Metzger to its Board of Directors. The appointment of Metzger follows several senior appointments within Sim Leisure Group last year, including Phil Whitaker as CEO, and the assignment of industry veteran, Steve Peet into the Board of Directors.
A prominent figure in the tourism, leisure, and lifestyle sector, Metzger brings with him an impressive track record spanning over five decades. Notably, he served as the former Chairman and is the 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 around the world, including Disney Resorts, USA; Tokyo Disney Resort, Japan; Ocean Park Resort, Hong Kong; Sentosa Island Resort, Singapore; and Legoland Resort, Malaysia.
Metzger’s career 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, Hong Kong, where he successfully implemented a long-term strategic plan resulting in a USD100M expansion, doubling attendance and profitability while establishing a strong regional presence.
Metzger’s exceptional leadership skills were further demonstrated during his tenure as the CEO of Sentosa Island Resort, Singapore. With the resort facing stagnant attendance and declining profits, he spearheaded a multi-billion-dollar development that transformed Sentosa into a premier destination, attracting nearly 19 million annual visitors.
Inspired by 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.
Sim Leisure Group’s portfolio includes award-winning ESCAPE parks in Penang and Petaling Jaya, with another under construction in Ipoh, which is among several upcoming projects both locally and internationally. In addition to its organic growth, the company has made strategic acquisitions, including the prominent edutainment facility KidZania Kuala Lumpur.
