Press Releases

Andreas Veilstrup Andersen Named Executive Director of IAAPA’s European Operations

Alexandria, Va. - The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) today announced that Tivoli Chief Operating Officer Andreas Veilstrup Andersen has been named the new executive director for IAAPA’s operations in Europe.  Andersen will lead IAAPA’s efforts to expand and enhance its programs and services in Europe and will oversee government relations, communications, membership development, education, and the Euro Attractions Show.  Andersen will be supported by: Karen Staley, the director of operations for the Euro Attractions Show; a director of government relations (to be hired); administrative staff; and IAAPA’s headquarters staff in the United States.
 
Since 2001, Andersen has worked in a variety of leadership positions at Tivoli, the legendary amusement park and pleasure garden in Copenhagen, Denmark.  He started his career in the industry in a consultancy role, working with Tivoli International’s activities in Germany, Vietnam, China, Singapore, and Egypt.  In 2002, he was named executive assistant where he oversaw investor relations, strategy development, and legal issues for the company.  He was named vice president and chief operating officer in 2004.  In this role, Andersen has been responsible for all operational areas for Tivoli Gardens and most investment projects. 

Prior to his work with Tivoli, Andersen was the deputy manager for the Danish Agency for Governmental Management (Ministry of Finance) and principal, case officer for The Mortgage Bank of Denmark (Ministry of Finance).

Andersen has a candidatus degree (master’s) in law from Copenhagen University where his master’s dissertation was on European Union legislation.  He also has a bachelor’s degree in financial and accounting management and business administration from Copenhagen Business School.

From 2002 through 2004, Andersen was the general secretary of the Association of Danish Amusement Parks and is currently a member of the National Board.  He has been actively involved in Europarks; is a member of the Counselling Committee for Wonderful Copenhagen, Regional Tourism Board; and a member of the Regional Board in Copenhagen for the Federation of Danish Industries.

In his new role, Andersen will report to IAAPA President and CEO Charlie Bray and will work closely with both IAAPA’s European Advisory Committee and the Euro Attractions Show Education Committee.  The European Advisory Committee will be expanded to take on new responsibilities with members coming from the global alliance partners in Europe and from the membership at large.

“We have a great deal to accomplish as we re-focus our European operations,” said Bray.  “Andreas’ tremendous park experience, understanding of the attractions industry in Europe, overall enthusiasm for this business, impressive educational background, and engaging leadership style, make him the ideal leader for this new role,” he added.

“I could not agree more with the strategy of expanding IAAPA’s European activities … growing the Euro Attractions Show and creating training and development programs that are specifically designed for the industry in Europe,” said Andersen.  “I am truly grateful that I have been given this opportunity, and I strongly believe that IAAPA, together with the national associations in Europe, can lift the attractions industry up on the European legislative agenda and facilitate the growth of the industry,” he added.

Andersen will work through a transition period from his position at Tivoli and will take on his new role with IAAPA full-time on Feb. 1, 2008.

About IAAPA
IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide.  Founded almost 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions worldwide and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry.  IAAPA represents more than 4,100 facilities, suppliers, and individual members from more than 90 countries. Member facilities include amusement/theme parks, waterparks, attractions, family entertainment centers, arcades, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and casinos.  IAAPA is a non-profit organization.  Funds generated for the association by its involvement in trade shows and other activities are returned to the association to fund services for its members and the industry.  IAAPA maintains offices in Europe and the United States.  In addition, the association’s Global Alliance partnership program includes international liaisons representing Latin America, Southeast Asia, Australia/New Zealand, India, and People’s Republic of China.

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