United Parks & Resorts Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on delivering immersive entertainment experiences, United Parks & Resorts maintains a diverse portfolio of theme parks and water attractions while prioritizing operational excellence and guest satisfaction across all global locations.

Leadership Roles at United Parks & Resorts

  • Chief Executive Officer - Marc Swanson
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - James Forrester
  • Interim Chief Human Resources Officer - Jayson Maxwell
  • Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors - Brayden Jaw
  • 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 expansion of the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens brands across North American and international markets. By aligning operational goals with long-term growth objectives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent performance across all regional properties. Marc Swanson maintains direct oversight of the executive leadership team to drive innovation in guest experiences and park infrastructure. This leadership role involves navigating complex industry dynamics while maintaining high standards for animal care and entertainment quality. Through rigorous focus on financial health and brand reputation, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive position of the organization. Ultimately, Swanson optimizes the synergy between diverse park assets to maximize shareholder value and enhance the global footprint of the company.

    James Forrester - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    James Forrester, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at United Parks & Resorts, directs the financial planning, reporting, and capital allocation strategies for the entire enterprise. Forrester manages the fiscal health of the organization by overseeing budgeting processes and monitoring revenue streams from the diverse portfolio of theme parks. By analyzing market trends and operational costs, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments yield optimal returns across all regional properties. James Forrester collaborates with the executive team to refine financial models that support long-term growth and debt management. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous internal controls and ensuring accurate financial disclosures for stakeholders. Through the strategic management of liquidity and investment portfolios, the Interim Chief Financial Officer drives the financial stability of the company. Ultimately, Forrester secures the fiscal foundation necessary to support ongoing innovation and expansion within the competitive amusement industry.

    Jayson Maxwell - Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jayson Maxwell, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer at United Parks & Resorts, architects the talent acquisition and workforce management strategies across all theme park locations. Maxwell oversees the development of organizational culture and employee engagement programs designed to support thousands of staff members. By implementing robust training initiatives, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that service standards remain consistent throughout the diverse portfolio of brands. Jayson Maxwell collaborates with department heads to align human capital needs with the seasonal demands of the amusement industry. This leadership role involves managing complex labor relations and fostering a safe, inclusive work environment across North American operations. Through the optimization of recruitment pipelines and retention strategies, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer drives operational efficiency. Ultimately, Maxwell strengthens the organizational foundation by cultivating a high-performing workforce capable of delivering exceptional guest experiences daily.

    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, manages the communication flow and strategic alignment between executive leadership and the governing board. Jaw coordinates board meetings, prepares critical governance documentation, and ensures that corporate policies reflect the long-term objectives of the organization. By facilitating transparent dialogue, the Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors enables informed decision-making regarding capital investments and major corporate initiatives. Brayden Jaw monitors the execution of board-mandated strategies across all theme park and water park operations. This leadership role involves synthesizing complex data into actionable insights for directors to review. Through meticulous oversight of governance processes, the Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors maintains compliance with regulatory standards and corporate bylaws. Ultimately, Jaw ensures that the strategic direction of the company remains consistent with the vision established by the board.
    Thomas Kelly, the Chief Legal Officer at United Parks & Resorts, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance framework for all theme park and water park operations. Kelly manages complex litigation, intellectual property protection, and contractual obligations across the diverse brand portfolio. By providing counsel on safety regulations and environmental standards, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all park activities align with legal requirements in every operating jurisdiction. Thomas Kelly oversees the mitigation of corporate risk through proactive policy development and rigorous contract review. This leadership role involves coordinating with external counsel and internal departments to address emerging legal challenges in the hospitality sector. Through the management of corporate governance and compliance programs, the Chief Legal Officer protects the reputation and assets of the organization. Ultimately, Kelly provides the legal architecture required to support the safe and sustainable growth of the company.

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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 Jayson Maxwell (Interim Chief Human Resources Officer).
    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), Jayson Maxwell (Interim Chief Human Resources Officer) 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, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief of Staff To the Board of Directors, Chief Legal Officer.