Roland Mack, managing partner of the Europa-Park theme park in Rust, Germany, has been named chair of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

Mack succeeded Bob Rippy as chair of IAAPA at the organisation's annual Expo, which is currently taking place at the Orange County Convention Centre in Florida, US.

IAAPA currently represents around 4,500 companies in more than 90 countries around the world, including more than 1,000 iconic theme and amusement parks.

In addition to his new role with IAAPA, Mack will continue as managing partner at Europa-Park alongside brother Jürgen and with the support of his sons Michael and Thomas.

Mack said: "For me personally, the worldwide harmonization of safety standards in the leisure industry will be a crucial part of my work.

"My sons have shown that they can support my brother Jürgen and myself with the management of the park."

Image (from left): Bob Rippy and new IAAPA chair Roland Mack