RWS Global has announced two senior leadership appointments as it continues to scale its end-to-end entertainment operations across theme parks, resorts and destination venues worldwide. The moves reflect a deliberate focus on operational depth and regional presence as demand grows for integrated live entertainment at scale.
The appointments come at a time of sustained expansion for the company, which has significantly increased the number of parks it supports annually since 2024.
Strengthening Operational Delivery In Mature Markets
Kathy Bagshaw has been appointed Senior Advisor, Operations, bringing more than 25 years of experience in live entertainment delivery within large-scale attractions. Her background includes senior operational roles at Merlin Entertainments, where she worked across complex, multi-site entertainment programmes.
In her new role, Bagshaw will support RWS Global’s work across major park partners, with a focus on consistency, scalability and day-to-day delivery of live entertainment. Her appointment follows Merlin Entertainments’ selection of RWS Global as its preferred entertainment production partner in 2025.
For operators and developers, the move signals the growing importance of operational leadership alongside creative capability. As parks increase the volume and complexity of live programming, experience delivery is increasingly dependent on robust systems, staffing models and cross-site coordination.
Establishing A Long-Term Presence In The Middle East
RWS Global has also confirmed the opening of a new Middle East headquarters in Riyadh, marking a significant investment in one of the fastest-growing global entertainment markets. Leading the regional office is AJ Gardner, who has been appointed General Manager for the Middle East.
Gardner brings extensive regional experience, having held senior entertainment and operations roles at Six Flags Qiddiya City and Dubai Parks and Resorts. His background spans creative production, operational management and large-scale live event strategy.
The Riyadh base positions RWS Global closer to current and future projects across Saudi Arabia and the wider region, where new destination developments are driving demand for live entertainment, ceremonies and immersive programming.
Responding To Market Growth And Scale
The leadership expansion aligns with wider industry growth. According to Grand View Research, the global amusement park market is projected to grow from just over $100 billion in 2024 to nearly $150 billion by 2030. Rising disposable income and expanding middle classes in developing economies are contributing to increased spending on leisure and location-based entertainment.
RWS Global’s response has been to increase geographic reach and operational capacity. Since 2024, the company has almost doubled the number of theme parks it serves annually, reflecting demand for partners capable of delivering entertainment programmes from concept through to daily operation.
Integrated Entertainment As A Competitive Requirement
RWS Global operates across the full lifecycle of live experience delivery, from creative development and production to staffing and ongoing operations. Its client base spans attractions, resorts, cruise lines, sports events and cultural destinations.
For the visitor experience sector, the company’s growth highlights a broader shift. Park operators and destination owners are increasingly seeking partners who can manage entertainment as a continuous operational function rather than a series of standalone productions.
Implications For The Attractions And Experience Sector
The appointments of Bagshaw and Gardner underline how live entertainment has become a core operational discipline within the attractions industry. As parks expand globally and programming becomes more frequent and complex, leadership with both regional insight and operational depth is critical.
RWS Global’s investment in senior expertise and regional infrastructure reflects where the sector is heading. Experience-led destinations now require partners who can deliver at scale, maintain quality across markets and support long-term operational performance. For operators planning new attractions or expanding existing estates, this focus on integrated leadership offers a clear signal of how live entertainment delivery is evolving worldwide.
