The Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) has announced the appointment of the CEO EsselWorld and Water Kingdom, Shirish Deshpande, as the industry body’s new president.
A veteran in the entertainment and amusement industry, Deshpande takes over from Ajay Sarin as the 10th president of IAAPI, the body representing the interests of amusement parks, theme parks, water parks and family entertainment centres in India.
As president of IAAPI, Deshpande will drive the organisation’s agenda of creating and sustaining an environment conducive to the development of the amusement sector in India in collaboration with the stakeholders.
“I would like to congratulate Shirish on being elected as the new president of IAAPI,” said former president Ajay Sarin. “He is an innovator and a great leader who has been closely associated with the industry for a long time now and understands it completely. I am confident that through his thoughtful strategies and planned approach he will take the industry to great heights. I wish him every success.”
“At the very onset I would like to express my gratitude towards Ashok Goel, promoter and director of EsselWorld and Water Kingdom for entrusting me with the responsibility of India's most popular and largest amusement park. It is his constant encouragement which has motivated me to take up such a challenging role at IAAPI,” said Deshpande.
“I feel extremely honoured to be given the opportunity to lead IAAPI, which is an institution in itself. The entertainment and amusement park industry is one of the most unique yet challenging sectors and it promises huge potential.
“Through significant investments in technology, the sector is at the cusp of a major transformation which will enhance customer experience and keep them engaged. I am very excited about my new role and am looking forward to taking this industry to a new level.”
