SeaWorld CEO Gus Antorcha, who took over the Orlando-based company in February, abruptly resigned Monday after feuding with the board of directors, according to Orlando Sentinel. “Mr. Antorcha informed the Company that his resignation was due to disagreements over the Board’s involvement in the decision making at the Company,” SeaWorld said in a new SEC filing.
Antorcha, 45, is a former cruise line executive who started his $600,000 a year job on Feb. 18. He is not entitled to nor seeking severance benefits, the SEC filing said.
“While I may have a difference of approach, I continue to believe in SeaWorld’s strategy, mission, team and prospects,” said Antorcha in a prepared statement.
Antorcha’s departure means SeaWorld, which has been on a financial comeback for more than a year, is again thrust into uncertain waters during a critical point. The company has had three men as chief or interim CEO since Joel Manby left more than 18 months ago.
Still, Boyd said many of the company’s initiatives for rebounding are in place as SeaWorld shifts from being a zoo to having more thrill rides and entertainment. Antorcha’s departure won’t likely to disrupt that, especially since a longtime employee will temporarily take over in the interim, Boyd said.
Original article by Orlando Sentinel on 9/16/19 found here