Zip World, the adventure operator with more than 30 experiences across England and Wales, has appointed Martin Evans as Chief Executive Officer as part of a four-strong senior leadership overhaul.
Evans joins alongside Kristian Merritt as Chief Technology and Marketing Officer and Kirsten Price as People Director, while Fuad Jishi will join as Chief Financial Officer in January 2027. The appointments follow the majority investment in Zip World by Dolphin Capital in 2025, which is supporting the business’s continued development and expansion across the UK.
The new leaders join David Kaminsky, Chief Operating Officer, and Darren Stevens, Development Director, who both continue in their roles. Former Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hudson and former Chief Financial Officer Matt Britton have left the business and are no longer involved in its management. Founder Sean Taylor remains a non-executive director and minority shareholder.
Evans joins from David Lloyd Clubs, where he was Chief Commercial Officer. As CEO, he will lead Zip World’s overall strategy, performance and growth, with initial priorities including setting a clear strategic direction for the business and empowering teams to deliver the visitor experience.
“Zip World is one of the most distinctive adventure brands in the UK, with brilliant people, unforgettable experiences and enormous potential. It is a privilege to lead the business into its next chapter.
Martin Evans, CEO, Zip World
“We want to set the global benchmark for safe, exceptional adventure experiences and become even more customer-led by listening closely to our visitors. Our priority is to identify where the greatest opportunities lie and move quickly to turn that potential into growth, while giving our teams the support and confidence to deliver their very best for every visitor.”
Merritt previously led the development and trading of Tesco’s online grocery website before spending seven years at David Lloyd Clubs. In his new role he will bring technology, marketing and the customer journey together, from discovery and booking through to pre-arrival communications and the visitor’s day in the parks.
“The experience begins long before a visitor arrives at one of our parks. Every search, advert, webpage, booking step and message shapes their expectations of the adventure ahead.
Kristian Merritt, Chief Technology and Marketing Officer, Zip World
“By connecting our technology, data, marketing and in-park journey, we can make every interaction simpler, more personal and more exciting. The opportunity is to remove friction, build anticipation and ensure the experience lives up to the adventure from the very first interaction.”
Price joins from The Belfry Hotel & Resort, where she was People Director, and brings experience in hospitality recruitment, talent development, employee engagement and culture. She will lead Zip World’s people strategy, with a focus on attracting and developing talent and strengthening the company’s culture.
“One of the things that attracted me to Zip World was its people. There’s a strong culture across the business and a genuine commitment to delivering great experiences for visitors.
Kirsten Price, People Director, Zip World
“I want every colleague to feel trusted, supported and able to make a real difference. By creating opportunities for people to grow and empowering teams to perform at their best, we can attract and retain exceptional talent and make Zip World as renowned as a place to work as it is a place to visit.”
Jishi joins from Iceland Foods, where he is Trading Finance Director, and will support the financial planning and investment decisions behind the company’s next phase of growth.
Founded in Wales, Zip World opened its first adventure in 2013 with eight members of staff. It now operates eight parks across England and Wales, including Penrhyn Quarry, home to Velocity, the world’s fastest zip line at speeds of more than 100mph, and continues to invest in both new and existing sites.
Publisher of Hospitality and Leisure News, 365 Retail, Retail Source and organiser of the Creative Retail Awards.
