Matthias Li, Chief Executive of Ocean Park announces plans to retire on 1 July 2020 after 25 years of service at the Park. The Park has activated a global executive search process to identify Li’s successor.
During his tenure at Ocean Park, Li has held a series of leadership positions and is a driving force behind the Park’s landmark developments including the arrival of giant pandas in Hong Kong; the Park’s 40th anniversary celebration; and a Master Redevelopment which was launched in 2005 and completed in 2012 with over 70 attractions, transforming Ocean Park from a local theme park into a world-class resort destination.
“It has been a true honour to lead a unique theme park that champions education, conservation and entertainment. It is an opportunity of a lifetime to be part of a leadership team to build a world-class resort destination from a home-grown theme park. I am extremely proud of the fond memories created by Ocean Park for millions of guests who have been here, and the Park’s contribution to the community and Hong Kong tourism. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our terrific staff over the decades, to whom I am immensely grateful,” said Li.
Leo Kung, Chairman of Ocean Park, said, “On behalf of the Board and Ocean Park, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Matthias for his outstanding work and commitment over the past 25 years in building and growing the Park to what it is today. His stewardship and quest for innovation have resulted in remarkable enhancements in the Park’s edutainment offerings, service excellence, conservation as well as community care efforts.”
The Park’s management team will continue to steer the transformation of Ocean Park into a premier international resort destination, with a number of development projects to be unveiled in the near future. These include a first-of-its-kind interactive illuminated adventure and nightly multimedia spectaculars that will be launched at the Park’s lagoon area; the highly anticipated year-round, all-weather Water World; a brand new animal attraction; and a state-of-the-art STEAM learning hub along with other new offerings designed to elevate the guest experience.
Li joined Ocean Park as Finance Director and Corporate Secretary in 1994, and has served as a trustee of the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong since 1995. In 2007 he was promoted to Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer. Li was named Chief Executive of the Park in 2016.
A member of the Hong Kong Government’s Tourism Strategy Task Force, Li takes various leadership roles in the industry. He is currently an (Invited) Vice Chair of the China Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (CAAPA). He also assumes leadership roles in the China Ropeway Association as well as the National Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Association and its China Aquarium Committee. Li had previously served as a Member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), and Chairman of IAAPA’s Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Committee.
Li was awarded “Leader of the Chinese Theme Park Industry” in 2015 by CAAPA in recognition of his contributions to the development of China’s theme park industry, and his efforts in promoting ride safety standards.
During his tenure at Ocean Park, Li has held a series of leadership positions and is a driving force behind the Park’s landmark developments including the arrival of giant pandas in Hong Kong; the Park’s 40th anniversary celebration; and a Master Redevelopment which was launched in 2005 and completed in 2012 with over 70 attractions, transforming Ocean Park from a local theme park into a world-class resort destination.
“It has been a true honour to lead a unique theme park that champions education, conservation and entertainment. It is an opportunity of a lifetime to be part of a leadership team to build a world-class resort destination from a home-grown theme park. I am extremely proud of the fond memories created by Ocean Park for millions of guests who have been here, and the Park’s contribution to the community and Hong Kong tourism. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our terrific staff over the decades, to whom I am immensely grateful,” said Li.
Leo Kung, Chairman of Ocean Park, said, “On behalf of the Board and Ocean Park, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Matthias for his outstanding work and commitment over the past 25 years in building and growing the Park to what it is today. His stewardship and quest for innovation have resulted in remarkable enhancements in the Park’s edutainment offerings, service excellence, conservation as well as community care efforts.”
The Park’s management team will continue to steer the transformation of Ocean Park into a premier international resort destination, with a number of development projects to be unveiled in the near future. These include a first-of-its-kind interactive illuminated adventure and nightly multimedia spectaculars that will be launched at the Park’s lagoon area; the highly anticipated year-round, all-weather Water World; a brand new animal attraction; and a state-of-the-art STEAM learning hub along with other new offerings designed to elevate the guest experience.
Li joined Ocean Park as Finance Director and Corporate Secretary in 1994, and has served as a trustee of the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong since 1995. In 2007 he was promoted to Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer. Li was named Chief Executive of the Park in 2016.
A member of the Hong Kong Government’s Tourism Strategy Task Force, Li takes various leadership roles in the industry. He is currently an (Invited) Vice Chair of the China Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (CAAPA). He also assumes leadership roles in the China Ropeway Association as well as the National Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Association and its China Aquarium Committee. Li had previously served as a Member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), and Chairman of IAAPA’s Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Committee.
Li was awarded “Leader of the Chinese Theme Park Industry” in 2015 by CAAPA in recognition of his contributions to the development of China’s theme park industry, and his efforts in promoting ride safety standards.
