In 2006, 4.3 million visitors passed through the turnstiles at Ocean Park, a $1 billion cash reserve was built up and a $5.5 billion loan was inked to help revamp the park’s ageing attractions. The man behind this successful turnaround is Chief Executive Tom Mehrmann.

Since joining Ocean Park in 2004, Mehrmann has led his 900-strong staff to record attendance, revenues and the biggest surpluses in the company’s history. Plus, he led the billion-dollar redesign, dragging the 30-year-old park that was facing stiff competition into the 21st century. It’s a job he says that is fun, yet demanding.

“The driving motivation became ‘keep the best and improve the rest’,” he explains. “This location is fabulous. I’ve seen most of the theme parks in the world, and you won’t find one like this.”

The redesign, however, could not mimic Disneyland. It had to be about what set Ocean Park apart — its real animal menagerie pitted against Disney’s live performers.