New Holiday World President/CEO named

By | January 8, 2013

Santa Claus, Indiana — The Board of Directors for Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari has named Matt Eckert the park’s new president and CEO.

“Matt was hand-picked by my late husband, Will, to be in a leadership role at the park; I know he would be pleased with our choice,” says park vice president Lori Koch. “As president and CEO, Matt will work closely with our board to keep our family’s park flourishing.”

Eckert began his tenure with the park in 2000, when he was hired to be the park’s controller; he served as one of the park’s two general managers from 2007 to 2012. He is an International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) Certified Attractions Executive and has served on its Human Resources Committee.

Eckert is a graduate of Indiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and insurance. He is a certified public accountant.

“My brother-in-law Dan stepped in to serve as president following Will’s sudden death in 2010,” says Lori Koch. “We thank him for his leadership and wish him well as he returns full-time to his law firm in Florida.”

Holiday World’s Board of Directors includes Lauren Koch, Leah Koch, William A. Koch III, and former IAAPA president/CEO Chip Cleary.

Holiday World, named the country’s Top Value Park by Consumers Digest, will open for its 67th season on May 4. Splashin’ Safari, ranked as the nation’s #1 Water Park by TripAdvisor.com, begins its season on May 10. For more information, visit HolidayWorld.com or call 1-800-467-2682.