# Dick Kinzel

> Richard L. “Dick” Kinzel is the retired Cedar Fair executive who began in Cedar Point’s foods division in 1972 and led the company from 1986 until January 2012. His tenure included the introduction of Magnum XL-200, Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster, expansion beyond the original two parks, and the $1.24 billion acquisition of Paramount Parks. He was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame in 2006.

- **Role:** Retired former President and CEO of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company
- **Organizations:** Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Cedar Point, Valleyfair, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
- **From:** Toledo, United States
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** High school graduate, Central Catholic High School, Toledo, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, Bowling Green State University
- **Known for:** Led Cedar Fair for 25 years, during its growth from two amusement parks to eleven., Oversaw Cedar Point’s first coasters to exceed the 200-, 300- and 400-foot thresholds., Led the 2006 acquisition of five Paramount Parks for $1.24 billion.

## Career timeline

- **1972** — Joined Cedar Point as a supervisor in the foods division.
- **1975** — Became director of park operations at Cedar Point.
- **1978** — Became vice president and general manager of Valleyfair; served until 1986.
- **1986** — Named president and CEO of Cedar Fair, then an operator of two amusement parks.
- **1987** — Cedar Fair listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
- **1989** — Magnum XL-200 opened at Cedar Point, the first coaster above 200 feet.
- **1992** — Cedar Fair acquired Dorney Park.
- **2000** — Millennium Force debuted at 310 feet.
- **2003** — Top Thrill Dragster debuted at 420 feet; Kinzel also became chairman.
- **2006** — Cedar Fair acquired Paramount Parks for $1.24 billion; Kinzel entered the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
- **2010** — Cedar Fair and Apollo terminated their proposed merger.
- **2011** — Relinquished the chairmanship; received Amusement Today’s Legends Series honor.
- **2012-01** — Retired as CEO; Matt Ouimet succeeded him on January 3.
- **2013-05** — Announced his departure from the Cedar Fair board.
- **2016** — Spoke at an IAAPA Hall of Fame panel.
- **2023** — Received Central Catholic High School’s Citizens Award.

## Achievements

- Led Cedar Fair for 25 years, during its growth from two amusement parks to eleven.
- Oversaw Cedar Point’s first coasters to exceed the 200-, 300- and 400-foot thresholds.
- Led the 2006 acquisition of five Paramount Parks for $1.24 billion.
- IAAPA Hall of Fame inductee, 2006.
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Northwest Ohio, 1998.
- Amusement Today Legends Series honoree, 2011.

## Latest updates

- **2025-09** — Successor Matt Ouimet publicly credited Kinzel’s operational knowledge and record-setting coaster strategy in a LinkedIn reflection.
- **2024-09** — Granddaughter Hannah Romell shared memories of Kinzel’s midway walks and said he was enjoying retirement.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dick-kinzel-07ba4612

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/dick-kinzel
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Last updated: 2026-10-23