Cedar Fair announced the following changes: Robert White has been promoted to chief commercial officer. Christian Dieckmann has been promoted to chief strategy officer. Kelley Ford's position as executive vice president and chief marketing officer has been eliminated.

She's departing in January after serving as the company's first chief marketing officer since 2012. Meanwhile, Dieckmann, who most recently was senior vice president of strategy, will focus on new growth opportunities and strategic initiatives for the company, which is looking for a rebound in revenue in the new year. The changes mark a reinforcement of leadership in advance of the merger, according to industry veteran Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of International Theme Park Services Inc.