United Parks & Resorts Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

United Parks & Resorts has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, board governance, financial oversight, human capital management, and legal compliance.

Focused on delivering immersive entertainment experiences, United Parks & Resorts maintains a diverse portfolio of theme parks and water attractions across North America and international markets to drive long-term shareholder value.

Leadership Roles at United Parks & Resorts

  • Chief Executive Officer - Marc Swanson
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - James Forrester
  • Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors - Brayden Jaw
  • Interim Chief Human Resources Officer - Jayson Maxwell
  • Chief Legal Officer - Thomas Kelly
  • Marc Swanson - Chief Executive Officer

    Marc Swanson, the Chief Executive Officer at United Parks & Resorts, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire portfolio of theme parks and water attractions. Swanson manages the operational execution across all domestic and international locations, ensuring that the SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Sesame Place brands maintain market leadership. By aligning corporate objectives with guest experience standards, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes revenue streams and park attendance metrics. Marc Swanson coordinates with the Board of Directors to refine long-term growth initiatives and capital allocation strategies. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends within the hospitality industry to sustain competitive advantages. Through rigorous oversight of park performance and brand expansion, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the organization. Swanson drives operational excellence by fostering innovation in guest services and attraction development, ultimately strengthening the global footprint of the company.

    James Forrester - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    James Forrester, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at United Parks & Resorts, oversees the financial planning, reporting, and capital structure of the theme park enterprise. Forrester manages fiscal discipline across all park locations, ensuring that operational costs align with revenue targets generated by the diverse brand portfolio. By directing financial analysis and budgeting processes, the Interim Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data for strategic expansion and infrastructure investment. James Forrester coordinates with external auditors and internal stakeholders to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance. This leadership role involves optimizing cash flow management to support the ongoing maintenance and development of attractions. Through rigorous financial modeling, Forrester identifies opportunities for cost efficiency and revenue growth. The Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a robust balance sheet, enabling the organization to navigate market fluctuations while continuing to deliver high-quality entertainment experiences to guests across the United States.

    Brayden Jaw - Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors

    Brayden Jaw, the Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors at United Parks & Resorts, facilitates communication between executive leadership and the governing board. Jaw coordinates board meetings, prepares strategic documentation, and ensures that corporate governance standards remain consistent across all subsidiaries. By managing the flow of information to the directors, the Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors enables informed decision-making regarding major investments and policy shifts. Brayden Jaw monitors the implementation of board-approved directives to ensure alignment with the mission of the company. This role requires deep integration with the executive team to synthesize complex operational data into actionable insights for the board. Through meticulous planning and administrative oversight, Jaw supports the structural integrity of the organization. The Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors maintains high-level visibility into park operations, ensuring that strategic goals remain the primary focus of all leadership activities.

    Jayson Maxwell - Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jayson Maxwell, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer at United Parks & Resorts, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives for the entire workforce. Maxwell manages the human capital strategy required to staff theme parks and water attractions effectively during peak and off-peak seasons. By implementing comprehensive training programs, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staff members deliver the high-quality guest service synonymous with the brand portfolio. Jayson Maxwell oversees labor relations and compensation structures to maintain a competitive and motivated workforce across all regional operations. This leadership role involves aligning personnel policies with the broader business objectives of the company to foster a safe and inclusive environment. Through strategic workforce planning, Maxwell supports the operational continuity of the parks. The Interim Chief Human Resources Officer drives engagement and retention efforts, ensuring that the organization attracts the talent necessary to sustain its position as a leader in the entertainment industry.
    Thomas Kelly, the Chief Legal Officer at United Parks & Resorts, manages all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk management strategies for the company. Kelly oversees the legal framework governing theme park operations, including safety standards, licensing agreements, and intellectual property protection for the various brand names. By directing the legal team, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all business activities adhere to federal and state regulations across the diverse geographic footprint of the organization. Thomas Kelly provides counsel to the executive team on corporate governance, litigation, and contractual obligations. This leadership role involves mitigating operational risks through proactive policy development and rigorous oversight of safety protocols. Through strategic legal planning, Kelly protects the reputation and assets of the company. The Chief Legal Officer maintains constant vigilance over the evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring that the organization operates within the bounds of the law while pursuing its mission of providing world-class entertainment.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding United Parks & Resorts Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads United Parks & Resorts?
    United Parks & Resorts is led by Marc Swanson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Forrester (Interim Chief Financial Officer) and Brayden Jaw (Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors).
    Who is part of United Parks & Resorts’s executive team?
    The executive team of United Parks & Resorts includes leaders such as Marc Swanson (Chief Executive Officer), James Forrester (Interim Chief Financial Officer), Brayden Jaw (Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does United Parks & Resorts have?
    United Parks & Resorts has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in United Parks & Resorts’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of United Parks & Resorts includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Legal Officer.