IAAPA Creates First VP of MENA Region

Replay Magazine·article·held·Apr 15, 2026

Analysis

claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · $0.009

TL;DR

IAAPA appoints Michael Rigby as first VP of MENA region

Summary

IAAPA, a major attractions industry association, has appointed Michael Rigby as its first Vice President and Executive Director for the Middle East and North Africa region, effective April 26. Rigby brings 20+ years of international business experience and previously worked as general manager of WhiteWater Middle East.

Key Claims

Michael Rigby has been appointed as IAAPA's first VP and Executive Director of the MENA region
high confidence · Official IAAPA announcement via Replay Magazine
Michael Rigby brings more than 20 years of international business experience
high confidence · Official statement in article
Rigby's most recent role was general manager of WhiteWater Middle East
high confidence · Official statement in article
Rigby officially begins the role on April 26
high confidence · Official announcement in article

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.”
Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA — Official endorsement of Rigby's appointment and indication of IAAPA's expansion strategy in MENA

Entities

Michael RigbypersonIAAPAorganizationJakob WahlpersonWhiteWater Middle Eastcompany

Signals

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business_signal: IAAPA establishing first dedicated VP position for MENA region, indicating strategic focus on Middle East and North Africa market growth
high · Michael Rigby appointed as 'first vice president and executive director of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region'
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personnel_signal: Senior leadership hire with 20+ years international business experience and regional expertise
high · Rigby brings 'more than 20 years of international business experience' and 'deep regional expertise, industry relationships'

Transcript

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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.