By Erie365NewsWriter 
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced that President and CEO Richard Zimmerman will step down by the end of 2025. The decision comes as the company faces significant financial challenges, with a $100 million net loss reported for the second quarter of 2025. Zimmerman will remain in his role until a successor is appointed.
Weather and Merger Context
The company attributed much of the downturn to poor weather in May and June, which affected attendance and revenue. This marks a sharp reversal from the same period in 2024, when Six Flags Entertainment Corporation was still two separate companies—Six Flags and Cedar Fair.
The merger between the two officially closed on July 1, 2024. Prior to that, the “legacy” Cedar Fair parks posted a net income of $56 million for Q2 2024, while the “legacy” Six Flags parks earned $34 million. Combined, that amounted to $90 million in profit—making the 2025 results a $190 million swing in the wrong direction.
Impact on Parks and Stock
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation owns several major theme parks, including Six Flags Great America and the Hurricane Harbor waterpark in Gurnee, Illinois. Both parks have been key attractions in the Midwest but were not immune to the effects of the weather-related downturn.
Following Wednesday’s earnings announcement and news of Zimmerman’s planned departure, company stock dropped sharply. The decline reflects investor concerns about both leadership uncertainty and the steep financial losses.
Looking Ahead
As Six Flags Entertainment Corporation searches for a new CEO, industry watchers will be looking for signs of recovery. The next leader will face the challenge of reversing the revenue slump, adapting operations to unpredictable weather patterns, and making the most of the combined resources from last year’s merger.
For now, the company remains focused on stabilizing attendance, improving guest experiences, and regaining the financial momentum it had before the sharp decline in 2025.