Hard Rock Park names new General Manager

February 7, 2008, 12:31 PM · Hard Rock Park is just two months from its soft opening, and the park's putting its operations management team in place.

The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina park announced today that it has hired Dale Kaetzel, former GM and senior VP at Canada's Wonderland, to be the general manager of Hard Rock Park. Kaetzel's a long-time Paramount Parks executive, having worked at four of the former chain's parks, according to a Hard Rock Park press release.

Any Canadian readers care to comment on how the park ran under his watch there?

Replies (4)

Mike N

February 7, 2008 at 6:34 PM · When did he leave Wonderland? Also is he the first General Manager? The way the title reads it makes it seem he replaced someone.

Derek Potter

February 7, 2008 at 9:23 PM · I think the words "Long Time Paramount Parks" executive may give a clue. Perhaps he didn't like the direction Cedar Fair was going, or perhaps it was just a money thing. When you look at the numbers, Canada's Wonderland seems to have performed beautifully the past five years. Mr. Kaetzel probably had a handsome salary package dangled in front of him, and the weather can't hurt either.

On a similar note, I was in Myrtle Beach last weekend (at the Hard Rock musician auditions no less). The park is getting close to finished. The 80 foot tall Gibson Les Paul is pretty schweet.

Joshua Counsil

February 8, 2008 at 1:26 PM · Canada's Wonderland has been run beautifully for the last few years. It really made a comeback. It has exceptional deals, a great list of rides, and a reasonably accommodating staff. It's also well-maintained and clean. And, as previously stated, the numbers have been great for the last while.

I think Mr. Kaetzel will do fine with Hard Rock.

Melissa Faulkner

February 9, 2008 at 10:14 PM ·

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

Hard Rock Park names new General Manager

Replies (4)

Park tickets

Weekly newsletter

New attraction reviews

News archive