Bollom in, Dawson to retire
The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) has a new chairman in the shape of John Bollom, managing director of Ameco and owner of Mumbles Pier in South Wales. Meanwhile the association’s chief executive, Colin Dawson (pictured), has revealed he is to retire in over a year’s time.
Both announcements were made during the annual general meeting at held at the Houses of Parliament in London on March 16. The meeting also elected Adrian Mahon of Merlin Entertainments as the association’s new vice-chairman
Bollom, who takes over as chairman from Tim Batstone at HB Leisure, is no stranger to BALPPA, and follows in the footsteps of his father Stan, who is the life president of the association. He joined the management committee in the 1990s and has been a very active member of the BALPPA Coin Operators Lobby Group for several years. In the mid-90s he also held the position of president of BACTA, the British coin-op trade association.
Dawson, meanwhile, has decided to retire after over 20 years in the attractions industry Dawson to “enjoy more time in his Kent garden and attempt to lower his golf handicap.” He has served as BALPPA chief executive since 2001, but his links with the association go back to 1988 when he joined Thorpe Park as a director and general manager. Last winter he also became president of the lobbying group Europarks.
Talking of his time in the amusement business Dawson remarked: “My only regret is that I took me so long to find this industry from my previous occupations. The last 20 years have been the most rewarding and enjoyable of my career, which began in 1958. I shall miss the many friends I have made over those years, but I think now is the right time to make this announcement and for BALPPA to have plenty of time to find my successor.”
Commenting on Dawson’s decision, John Bollom had this to say: “Colin has guided the association for the last eight years, giving a period of stability and achievement in all aspects of the association’s work. In particular his contribution to health & safety and parliamentary relations, together with his knowledge and contacts throughout the global industry will be sorely missed. I feel sure that all members would join me in wishing both him and Jeanette a long and happy retirement – he leaves some very big boots to fill!”
Dawson plans to stay on as chief executive until July 2010. Potential candidates for the position are asked to contact Bollom: j.bollom@ameco.co.uk
Pictured below: John Bollom, Angela Wright & Adrian Mahon
