NEW YORK, Jan 18, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Six Flags (NYSE: PKS) announced today that it has appointed several executives to leadership positions within the company, completing its new senior management team. These executives will lead the company's financial, corporate relationship and park services divisions.

"Six Flags has been in the process of assembling a dynamic leadership team, and this group of seasoned executives, added to the team already in place, will provide the wide range of experience that is key to moving the company forward on both the financial and customer experience levels," said Mark Shapiro, Six Flags President and CEO.

Jeffrey Speed is named Six Flags' Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Speed comes to Six Flags with a broad-based financial background as well as significant experience in the theme park environment. He has served since 2003 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Euro Disney S.A.S, where he was a key contributor to the development of the company's long-term growth strategy in addition to overseeing its 1.7 billion euro legal and financial restructuring. During his tenure at Euro Disney, Speed oversaw a reduction in debt of approximately 500 million euros (from over 2.4 billion to less than 2 billion euros) and raised significant capital for liquidity and new attractions. Prior to Euro Disney, Speed served as Vice President, Corporate Finance and Assistant Treasurer for The Walt Disney Company, where he was responsible for worldwide capital markets activities, structured and project finance initiatives including Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland, syndication of revolving credit facilities, and Disney's overall banking and rating agency relationships. Speed will report directly to the CEO effective February 1, 2006, replacing James Dannhauser, who had previously agreed to stay until April 1, 2006.

Lou Koskovolis is named Six Flags' Executive Vice President of Corporate Alliances, a new division within the company. Koskovolis will develop key national, regional and local sponsorships for all Six Flags parks, creating cross-promotional platforms that will enable Six Flags partners to showcase their products and services while providing Six Flags with added exposure through partners' advertising and marketing assets. Koskovolis is formerly Executive Vice President of Multi-Media Sales for ESPN and ABC Sports in addition to serving in leadership roles in the company's National Television Sales and Customer Marketing organizations. Koskovolis will also report to Shapiro.

Andrew Schleimer is named Six Flags' Executive Vice President for In-Park Services, a new division that will focus on increasing company revenue and enhancing the park experience through agreements with branded food, beverage, equipment, service and retail partners. Schleimer, an investment banker specializing in mergers and acquisitions, joins Six Flags from UBS Investment Bank, where he served as Vice President in the bank's Mergers & Acquisition Department. At UBS, Schleimer advised on over $150 billion of transactions in the media and entertainment, technology, telecom and consumer products sectors. He attended Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration where he focused on food and beverage management and real estate finance.

"This group brings invaluable skills and experience to our executive team, from theme parks to finance, cross-platform advertising opportunities and overall park services," said Shapiro. "With our entire team in place, we're on track to unlock Six Flags' value for all our audiences -- our partners, investors, employees and most importantly, our guests -- 35 million people and growing who spend over 9 hours a day in our parks. On behalf of the company, I want to welcome the new team and extend our most sincere appreciation to Jim Dannhauser, who continues to provide us with invaluable counsel during this transition period."

Six Flags is the world's largest regional theme park company.

SOURCE Six Flags