By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
RWS Global has appointed two senior leaders as the company continues to scale its entertainment production and operations for parks and destination partners worldwide.
Kathy Bagshaw joins as Senior Advisor, Operations, where she will focus on strengthening operational delivery across major parks, including work with Merlin Entertainments.
Bagshaw brings more than 25 years of experience from Merlin’s event and entertainment operations team and will support the development, production and day-to-day execution of live entertainment across Merlin locations. Her appointment follows RWS Global’s 2025 designation as Merlin’s preferred entertainment production partner.
AJ Gardner has been named General Manager of RWS Global’s new Middle East headquarters in Riyadh. Gardner most recently served as Manager of Entertainment and Events at Six Flags Qiddiya City and previously held roles at Dubai Parks & Resorts and other regional entertainment organizations. He will oversee RWS Global’s growing slate of projects in the region and lead local partnership development.
The appointments come as RWS Global expands its operational footprint across the global parks sector. The company reports that it has nearly doubled the number of theme parks it serves annually since 2024, aligning with broader growth trends in the global amusement park market.
“We are thrilled to be expanding at this accelerated pace and to welcome Kathy and AJ to our team,” said Jake McCoy, Chief Operating Officer, RWS Global. “Their leadership, expertise and deep understanding of complex entertainment operations across key markets will be instrumental as we strengthen our foundation worldwide and expand our ability to deliver innovative, high-value entertainment experiences at scale.”
RWS Global provides end-to-end entertainment services for parks, resorts, cruise lines, sports properties and live venues, supporting clients that include Merlin Entertainments, Six Flags, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros., Disney Theatrical Group and others.