Dreamworld CEO Craig Davidson has left his position in the midst of a public enquiry into the tragic accident at the theme park in 2016 which saw four people killed.
An inquest into the deaths of Cindy Low, Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett and Roozi Araghi started last month, where it was revealed that the Thunder River Rapids ride had broken down two times previously on the day of the accident and that staff had previously raised concerns about safety in 2001 following a similar incident.
Davidson, who was in his position when the accident occurred, resigned from his post on 29 June.
Nicole Noye, Ardent’s chief experience officer, will take up the role on a temporary basis, while the operator seeks a permanent chief executive. Ardent has promised a revamp of the park's management team, with company chair Gary Weiss also saying that the company had to learn from the issues highlighted in the inquest.
"We will never forget the events of that tragic day," he said. "I can only again say how profoundly sorry we are to the families and all those so deeply impacted by this tragedy.
"Like everyone else, I have been deeply concerned by what has emerged from the inquiry over the past fortnight, and this is why it is important that we listen to the evidence, understand all we can and apply the lessons learned to ensure such accidents never occur at our parks."
The inquest was adjourned on 29 June until October. Before the adjournment, the park’s engineering supervisor, Peter Gardner, told the inquest that the ride should not have been open at the time of the accident, with procedure to shut down the ride if the same fault occurs twice in a 24-hour period.
Ardent has said the Dreamworld team will prioritise the ongoing implementation of best-practice safety initiatives. This includes continuous enhancements in ride safety and all elements of safety systems and procedures within the park.
In her role, Noye will be supported by two new appointments, with Phil Tanner becoming director of safety and for Queensland police inspector Mike McKay taking up the role of director for culture, community and external relations.
