Former Disney executive to head Cedar Fair

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A former Disney executive and hotel chain manager has been named president of Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., the Ohio theme park company that owns Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park.

Cedar Fair announced Monday that Matthew A. Ouimet, 53, would also take over as chief executive when Dick Kinzel, 70, retires from the post Jan. 3.

Ouimet has worked for 20 years in the amusement park and hospitality industry, including 17 years with Walt Disney Co.

He recently held the post of president and chief operating officer of Corinthian Colleges, a collection of for-profit colleges that operates in the U.S. and Canada. Prior to that job, he served as president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts and held several posts with Disney, including president of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and president of Disney Cruise Line.

Cedar Fair, based in Sandusky, Ohio, is one of the country’s largest amusement park companies. It owns 11 amusement parks, including Knott’s Berry Farm; six outdoor water parks; one indoor water park; and five hotels.

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-- Hugo Martin