Alexander “Al” Weber Jr, founder and CEO of Apex Parks Group, has been elected by the IAAPA Board of Directors to the post of second vice chair, and consequently IAAPA chair for 2019.

Weber, whose chain of US-based attractions includes Big Kahuna’s Waterpark, Martin’s Fantasy Land, Sahara Sam’s Oasis and more than 10 FECs, will start his new position in 2017, becoming first vice chair the following year and IAAPA chair in 2018, succeeding Liseberg CEO Andreas Andersen.

"It's truly an honour to be selected to serve this amazing industry and to take a more meaningful leadership role in our global association," said Weber. "Our industry and association have a very bright future and I'm thrilled for the opportunity to help make a greater difference at this exciting time as IAAPA's worldwide headquarters moves to Orlando.”

Before founding his own operations in 2014, Weber worked at Six Flags Entertainment, Kings Leisure Partners, Palace Entertainment and Paramount Parks. Weber started his career in the industry at age 16 as a ride operator at Coney Island Amusement Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.

"Al has been a leader in our industry and our association for many years, including serving two terms on the IAAPA board," said Will Morey, chairman of the IAAPA governance committee. "His vast experience leading teams responsible for parks, water parks, animal parks, and FECs for more than four decades, combined with his strategic leadership acumen, make him ideally suited to chart and lead the association's course into the future."