After several years as Divisional Director at Alton Towers, Russell Barnes will very soon be leaving to become Divisional Director of Midway Development. Russell will be looking after new attraction openings of Merlin’s Midway brands – including Sea Life, Lego Discovery, Dungeons and Madame Tussauds. We wish Russell all the very best in his new role, and hope he keeps in tune with what is going on at Alton Towers – after he has obviously been pivotal in laying the foundations for 2009 and 2010 – and possibly beyond.

As for his replacement, Ian Crabbe, currently of the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham, will be moving onto Towers Street. We hope that Mr. Crabbe proves to be an asset to the resort, and has the vision to steer the park into the future. It could be an exciting few years for Alton Towers, and with a clear head and ideas – there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing 3 million smiling guests going through the gates every year.

We wish Mr. Crabbe all the best in his new role at Alton Towers!