# IAAPA Creates First VP of MENA Region

**Source:** Replay Magazine  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2026-04-15  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.replaymag.com/iaapa-creates-first-vp-of-mena-region/

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## Analysis

IAAPA has appointed Michael Rigby as its first Vice President and Executive Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, based in the UAE. Rigby brings over 20 years of international business experience and previously served as general manager of WhiteWater Middle East. The appointment is effective April 26.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Michael Rigby has more than 20 years of international business experience — _Official IAAPA announcement via Replay Magazine_
- [HIGH] Michael Rigby previously served as general manager of WhiteWater Middle East — _Official IAAPA announcement via Replay Magazine_
- [HIGH] Michael Rigby will officially assume the role on April 26 — _Official IAAPA announcement via Replay Magazine_
- [HIGH] This is IAAPA's first VP position for the MENA region — _Official IAAPA announcement via Replay Magazine_

### Notable Quotes

> "Michael's deep regional expertise, industry relationships and strategic vision make him the ideal leader as we establish and grow IAAPA's presence in the Middle East and North Africa. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team during this pivotal time of expansion."
> — **[name withheld pending review]**
> _Official endorsement of Rigby's appointment and framing of MENA expansion as strategic priority_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Michael Rigby | person | First VP and Executive Director for IAAPA's MENA region; based in UAE; formerly general manager of WhiteWater Middle East |
| Jakob Wahl | person | President and CEO of IAAPA; made announcement regarding Rigby appointment |
| IAAPA | organization | International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions; major attractions industry trade association expanding into MENA region |
| [name withheld pending review] | company | Where Michael Rigby previously served as general manager before IAAPA appointment |

### Signals

- **[business_signal]** IAAPA establishing regional leadership for Middle East and North Africa market, indicating strategic geographic expansion beyond traditional markets (confidence: high) — Creation of first VP position dedicated to MENA region
- **[industry_signal]** IAAPA's expansion into MENA region signals growing attractions industry opportunity in Middle East and North Africa, representing emerging market strategy (confidence: high) — Jakob Wahl's statement about 'pivotal time of expansion' and establishment of regional presence

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## Transcript

The major attractions association IAAPA has tapped Michael Rigby as its first vice president and executive director of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, further expanding their global footprint. He’s based in the UAE and brings more than 20 years of international business experience to the trade. Most recently, he served as general manager of WhiteWater Middle East. “Michael’s deep regional expertise, industry relationships and strategic vision make him the ideal leader as we establish and grow IAAPA’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa,” said Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the team during this pivotal time of expansion.” Rigby will officially step into the role on April 26.

_(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v5)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-08-04 | Item ID: 5c932cc0-fd65-4b12-8a55-27a7a6ecff4c*