Ben Thompson is an experienced business leader with a 25-year track record in growth, strategy, marketing and new business development across entertainment, retail and experiential destinations. His career includes senior leadership roles at Mars Inc., The Walt Disney Company and Merlin Entertainments, where he led the launches of four LEGOLAND® parks, more than 40 attractions and new brands including The Bear Grylls Adventure, Little BIG City and Peppa Pig World of Play.
After founding his own successful strategy consultancy in 2018, Ben joined Storyland Studios in 2020 to lead its international business and global IP partnerships, including its relationship with Ubisoft Entertainment. He subsequently founded Storyland Locations, the development arm of Storyland Group, focused on creating, financing and delivering major IP-led visitor attractions and destination-based experiences. Across his career, Ben has helped generate more than $100 million in value for IP and commercial partners.
Ben’s Projects
Ubisoft Entertainment
FORGING A LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP TO BRING VIDEO GAME WORLDS TO LIFE
At Storyland Studios, Ben spearheaded the partnership with Ubisoft Entertainment, leading the charge on creating immersive theme park experiences inspired by some of the world’s most beloved gaming franchises.
Tony’s Chocolonely
CREATING A CHOCOLATE-THEMED IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE WITH A POWERFUL MISSION
Ben worked with Tony’s Chocolonely, the ethical chocolate company, to develop an immersive brand experience that educates and engages visitors in Tony’s mission to create a 100% slave-free chocolate industry through story-driven, interactive experiences.
Ben’s Projects at Previous Firms
LEGOLAND® Parks
DRIVING GLOBAL EXPANSION WITH FOUR NEW LEGOLAND® PARK OPENINGS
As Global Marketing Director, New Openings at Merlin Entertainments, Ben led the strategic planning and execution behind the launches of four LEGOLAND® parks, expanding the beloved brand into new regions and elevating guest engagement worldwide.
Madame Tussauds
ELEVATING AN ICONIC BRAND THROUGH NEW MARKET EXPANSION
During his tenure at Merlin, Ben contributed to Madame Tussauds’ strategic expansion, helping evolve the brand’s appeal through innovative marketing and new attraction openings.