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Coast Entertainment Holdings Limited, the operator of Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and the Skypoint observation deck, has advised of the appointment of South East Queensland businesswoman Jemma Elder as an independent non-executive director of the company, effective from 1st October.

In a statement, the company advised that it will seek formal shareholder approval for Elder’s appointment at its upcoming Annual General Meeting on 6th November 2024.

The statement noted that Elder “is an experienced senior executive with a 20 year career in roles focused on business strategy and growth, technology and e-commerce, sales and marketing.

“She has grown her expertise in board and senior management positions across diverse industries including leisure, aeromedical aviation, health, retail and professional sport.”

Elder is a former Managing Director with the Publicis Groupe, one of the world’s largest communication agencies, having previously eld senior executive positions with Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and Goodlife Health Clubs and AMF Bowling - businesses previously owned by the group businesses.

Advising of the appointment, Coast Entertainment Chairman, Dr Gary Weiss commented “on behalf of my Board colleagues, we welcome Jemma to the Coast Entertainment Board.

“Jemma joins the group at an exciting time as our new Rivertown precinct at Dreamworld is set to open in the coming months and we continue to invest in our theme park and attractions business more broadly.

“Jemma’s skillset, experience and local knowledge will be invaluable to the Board and management as we position the Group for continued growth.”

Welcoming her new role, Elder advised “this is an exciting time to be joining the Coast Entertainment Holdings Board, particularly given the investment plans for Dreamworld that promise to deliver an even better guest experience for visitors from around Australia and overseas.

“As with all service industries, consumer expectations are evolving and I have been watching with keen interest how Coast’s management team is rejuvenating Dreamworld and SkyPoint to continue to build trusted destination landmarks for Australia.

“My long-standing affinity with Coast Entertainment assets comes from having worked for Dreamworld very early in my career.

“I am keen to bring my insights and commitment to the experienced Board of an organisation which has helped shape my professional journey.”

Coast Entertainment also announced that Brad Richmond, one of the Company’s US based directors, will retire from the Board at the upcoming AGM after more than six years to focus on his increased executive commitments in his home nation.

Speaking about Richmond’s contribution to the company, Dr Weiss added “Brad has been a dedicated and valuable member of the Board for the past seven years and leaves a significant and lasting impression on the Group.

“Brad joined the Board at the same time as I did and was instrumental in overseeing the impressive turnaround and growth of the Main Event Entertainment business and then assisting management to steer this business through the challenging Covid pandemic period before the highly successful sale by the Company in June 2022.”

Images: Jemma Elder (top) and the concept for Dreamworld's soon-to-open Rivertown precinct (below).

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