by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:05 AM ET, Thu March 26, 2026
It's been a busy week for Six Flags Entertainment, as
the theme park company announced an overhaul of its board of directors due to
activist investor pressure and changes to its properties stemming from previous
closures.
According to Reuters.com, Six Flags announced that Richard
Haddrill has been named executive chairman, effective immediately, while the
previous chairman, Marilyn Spiegel, will now serve as lead independent
director.
Last week, activist investor Jana Partners sent a
letter, obtained by Reuters, to Six Flags officials, demanding that a new
chairman be appointed and that a sale be explored. A Jana representative called
the addition of Haddrill to the board "an important step in the right
direction."
While Jana publicly expressed support for Six Flags'
new CEO, John Reilly, as the company's stock price climbed 10 percent this year
so far, the theme park brand remains down 56 percent over the last 12 months.
As Six Flags navigates leadership changes on its board
of directors, the company also unveiled plans to expand Six Flags Great
Adventure in New Jersey with a new area featuring rides relocated from the
now-closed Six Flags America theme park, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Dubbed Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk, Six Flags Great
Adventure is leaning into the state's iconic oceanside amusement piers and
adding four rides from the defunct Maryland park, including Ragin' Cajun (to be
renamed Barrels O' Fun), Flying Scooters, Wave Swinger, and Hypno Twister.
In addition, the boardwalk-inspired land will boast a
revamped version of the classic Swashbuckler attraction, now known as Super
Roundup. The New Jersey park is scheduled to open the new area in "late
spring 2026."
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