Peter van der Schans

Executive Director & Vice President IAAPA ESA

Druten, Gelderland, Netherlands

About

Ever since I was a little kid, I wandered around in themeparks, feeling as happy as I could be. It was a magical place where it felt like the real world didn't existed anymore. It wasn't a surprise that my first job, operating rides, was a job I dreamt of. During this time, my interest in themeparks only grew bigger. As did my career in themeparks. Nowadays I work with passion to make the most out of our guests day. I still wander around in the parks, feeling like a little kid again, only now I have the opportunity to make it even better. "You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality." - Walt Disney

Experience

  • Executive Director & Vice President at IAAPA ESA
    Mar 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 5 mos

  • General Manager at Dierenrijk
    May 2021 - Mar 2022 · 11 mos

  • Manager Theatre at Pathé Theatres B.V.
    Apr 2017 - Apr 2021 · 4 yrs 1 mo

  • Park Manager at Attractiepark Toverland
    Jul 2011 - Apr 2017 · 5 yrs 10 mos

    As Parkmanager I worked on a duty schedule. When on duty, the Parkmanager is responsible for the park operations in every way possible; F&B, rides, shops, games, entrance, parking, technical department and cleaning. In case of emergencies I lead the emergency response team. When I was not on duty I lead and coach a group of Supervisors and Senior Supervisors. Besides that I performed a big role in the safety management of the park; improving evacuation and emergency plans, training staff and analyze incident reports as well as strategic plans for the rides department and the park.

  • City Councillor at Gemeente Dronten
    Apr 2010 - Sep 2012 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    City Councillor on behalf of a national political party