Hong Kong tourism commissioner to take over as interim head of debt-ridden Ocean Park

Joe Wong will be tasked with shepherding the ailing attraction through a planned revamp while it searches for a permanent chief executive

Ysanne Chan, the incumbent chief executive, will step down on May 1, about two months earlier than scheduled, but will continue to serve as managing director

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Hong Kong’s tourism commission will take over as the interim head of the ailing Ocean Park. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 7:25pm, 9 Apr 2021Updated: 9:12pm, 9 Apr 2021

Hong Kong Commissioner for Tourism Joe Wong Chi-cho is set to be seconded to the loss-making Ocean Park to serve as its chief executive for about six months starting in May, as the struggling resort presses ahead with a planned revamp.

Ysanne Chan, the incumbent chief executive at the 44-year-old Aberdeen attraction, will step down on May 1, about two months earlier than scheduled, but will continue to serve as the company’s managing director.

The government said Wong was the first civil servant to be seconded as Ocean Park’s chief executive.

Announcing the change-up on Friday, the government said it had arranged for Wong’s move while the park carried out open recruitment to find a new head.

Joe Wong will serve as Ocean Park’s chief executive for about six months while it searches for a permanent head. Photo: Handout

Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen described Wong as a seasoned administrative officer with proven leadership and management skills, as well as profound experience in tourism development.

“I have every confidence that he will continue to serve the community with dedication and professionalism during his secondment to the Ocean Park Corporation,” he said.

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