Jim Pattison Jr, president of Ripley Entertainment, will lead as its chair IAAPA in 2022 following a vote by the organisation's board of directors.

Pattison was named second vice chair during the board's meeting on 16 September in Paris, France, meaning he will become first vice chair in 2021 and chair in 2022, succeeding Ken Whiting, president of Whiting's Foods.

Pattison has served as Ripley's president since 2008, leading management for more than 100 attractions in 10 countries, including aquariums, museums, haunted attractions, wax museums, sightseeing train tours, family entertainment centres, miniature golf courses, travelling shows, and retail. He has also been an integral member of IAAPA, volunteering his time and sharing his expertise on numerous IAAPA committees.

"Jim is a highly respected industry veteran with a proven track record of success leading Ripley Entertainment and has been a dedicated, long-term IAAPA volunteer," said John McReynolds, IAAPA Governance Committee chair, and senior vice president of external affairs at Universal Parks and Resorts.

"I'm confident Jim, along with IAAPA's newly appointed international board members, will have a positive impact on the association and will help shape its future."