The world’s second largest attractions company, the UK-based Merlin Entertainments, has announced the appointment of Linda Zou as chief strategy officer with effect from February.
Zou will work closely with the other top executives at Merlin to design the company’s strategic vision and drive continued growth.
Zou joins Merlin from Boston Consulting Group, where she was managing director of and partner in London, leaving the development of business strategy for major consumer companies in the UK, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Previously she was working in global health, setting up large-scale health programmes in southern Africa.
Said Scott O’Neil, CEO at Merlin: "As Merlin transforms into a premium positioned, innovative and data-driven company focused on driving enterprise value, we will continue building capabilities to be world class in dynamic pricing, optimising trade, exploring the future of branded accommodation, maximising retail opportunities and investing in technology to drive efficiencies.
"Linda is the perfect executive to lead our organic growth plans and ambitious trajectory. She is intellectually curious, a driving force of will and has proven to be an extraordinary teammate.
"She will be an instant value add to Merlin as she brings a wealth of experience and expertise in strategy, innovation and transformation in the retail and travel sectors, which translates directly into our business and allows her to hit the ground running."
