As part of UK and European expansion, Merlin Entertainments has announced two new appointments designed to strengthen operations and focus on key activities.

Former marketing director, Mark Fisher, becomes executive director, operating business group. He will assume strategic responsibility for operations, marketing and sales activities across the group’s existing brands.

Johannes Mock, who heads up Merlin’s German office, will take on the new board position of executive director – new site search, as well as continuing in his current role.

Mock’s new position will include setting strategy and delivering new sites for Sea Life Centres, Dungeons and Earth Explorer attractions in Germany, Merlin’s most important European development market.

“We are strengthening the team at a time of rapid expansion across existing brands,” said group chairman and chief executive, Nick Varney.

“Merlin nurtures its talent and it is particularly satisfying to be bale to make these key appointments from within the company.”