RWS Global Strengthens Global Operations With Key Leadership Appointments as Company Expands Across Critical Markets

RWS Global, the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, today announced two strategic leadership appointments to support the company as it scales end to end entertainment operations across parks and destinations worldwide. Kathy Bagshaw has been appointed Senior Advisor, Operations, focused on strengthening delivery and operational excellence across major parks for key partners, including Merlin Entertainments. AJ Gardner has been named General Manager of RWS Global’s new Middle East headquarters in Riyadh, advancing the company’s long term investment in the region and supporting several key projects in development.

These appointments come as RWS Global continues its rapid operational expansion across key global markets.  Since 2024, RWS Global has nearly doubled the number of theme parks they serve annually. According to Grand View Research, the global amusement park market was valued at $102.67 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $149.32 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025-2030. This surge is fueled by rising disposable income and a growing middle class in developing economies, resulting in increased spending on leisure and entertainment. Positioned at the forefront of this trend, RWS Global continues to innovate and expand its geographic footprint and strengthen its operational leadership to meet the growing demand for fully integrated entertainment production and operations worldwide.

Kathy Bagshaw brings more than 25 years of experience from the event and entertainment operations team at Merlin Entertainments and will play a key role in growing RWS Global’s impact across major parks and destinations worldwide as the company develops additional long term partnerships. With extensive background in leading complex entertainment operations, Bagshaw will be a critical asset to RWS Global as it continues to grow its operational scale and deliver consistent, high quality experiences across markets. She will support the development, production and day to day delivery of live entertainment across Merlin Entertainments locations, following their 2025 appointment of RWS Global as its preferred entertainment production partner.

In addition, RWS Global has significantly expanded its presence in the Middle East with the opening of a new headquarters in downtown Riyadh, highlighting the company’s long term commitment to one of the world’s fastest growing entertainment regions. Leading the office is AJ Gardner, an established experience strategy and operations executive with significant regional expertise. Gardner most recently served as Manager of Entertainment and Events at Six Flags Qiddiya City in Riyadh and previously held key roles at Dubai Parks & Resorts as well as at additional major entertainment organizations across the Midde East. His diverse background in creative production, operational management and live event strategy positions him to drive RWS Global’s continued growth and partnership expansion across the 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 is developing thousands of brand-new, live experiences across amusement parks and resorts this year, introducing bold new entertainment offerings for guests worldwide, including groundbreaking productions, immersive storytelling, scenic design and décor, all designed to deepen engagement and bring even more magic to the visitor experience.
 

About RWS Global  
RWS Global is the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, creating customized guest experiences spanning theatrical productions, live events, immersive destinations, multimedia, consumer products and more. 
 
RWS Global is headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Orlando, Sydney and Riyadh with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base. With a focus on entertainment and sports experiences, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theaters, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals and performers worldwide.  
 
The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, FIFA, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, Merlin Entertainments, MSC Cruises, NFL, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more information, visit rwsglobal.com.