Susanne Mørch Koch has been named Tivoli's new CEO following a recruitment process to find a permanent replacement for Lars Liebst, who leaves the role after nearly 24 years at the helm.

Leaving her role at Danske Spil – Denmark's national lottery – after three years with the organisation, Koch is also a board member of COOP Denmark and Scandic Hotel Group and the former CCO of Danish railway company DSB.

"Susanne has proven her strengths as a leader of complex organisations in fast-changing times when she had to secure future-proof traditional companies and at the same time live up to customers' and the public's high expectations for operations, renewal and good experiences," said Tivoli chair, Tom Knutzen.

"Tivoli is in great shape at the moment, but competition for people's free time has never been tougher. That's why Susanne is the perfect match to follow Lars Liebst and continue the fine balance that lies between giving the guests in Tivoli the new experiences they expect, while always being reminded of the many happy hours that they have spent in the amusement gardens."

Koch will take up her position by 1 September at the very latest. Lars Liebst – who announced his departure in December – will retain his position in the interim, stepping down after Koch takes up the role.

"The time is right to make way for the next generation," said Liebst. "During my tenure, Tivoli has transformed from a seasonal to a year-round business, and the diversity has never been greater. Tivoli’s Advisory Board has just approved the strategy which the Board, senior management and staff have been working on for a year. That is an ideal moment to pass on the baton."

The most recent TEA/AECOM Theme Index ranks Tivoli Gardens as the fifth-most visited theme park in the EMEA region. Year-on-year, the park marked an attendance rise of 4.5 per cent, increasing visitation to 4.85 million people.