Bill Haviluk, president and general manager of Legoland California has announced his retirement from the LEGO Company.

John Jakobsen, general manager of Legoland Deutschland, will succeed him as general manager of the Carlsbad park.

Haviluk joined LEGO in 1997 as president and general manager of Legoland California. He also was involved with the planning, design and creation of the German park.

After handing over to Jakobsen, Haviluk will continue as a consultant in the attractions industry and 'entertain new business opportunities', according to a statement released by the company.

Jakobsen, 39, has been with LEGO 18 years. He began with Legoland parks in 1990, helping the planning and execution of both the UK and California properties prior to moving to Germany.