Michael Kreft Von Byern
General Manager
Rulantica
Rust - Germany
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, July/August 2024
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
After the A-Level school education in Flensburg, I did military service at the German armed forces as a signal-communications officer in Munich. I studied tourism and leisure science in Fulda and Würzburg. I was a scientific assistant at the Würzburg Institute for Tourism and Leisure Research. Since 1988, I have been at Europa-Park in Rust. I was the first Public Relations Officer, then moved up the ranks of Director of Public Relations, Director of Marketing, Director of Operations, Head of Mack Solutions and the Creative + Development Team of Europa-Park. Since January 2019, I have been the General Manager of Rulantica and also a serve as a Representative of the Board of Europa-Park.
In 2001, I became a member of the German Chamber of Commerce, then in 2009 became the Chairman of their Tourism Committee. I am a member of the Supervisory Board of Black For- est Tourism & Chairman of the Economy Advisory Committee. In 2013, I became a member of the Marketing Committee of the Tourism Baden- Württemberg. In 2014, I became a board member of the German Association of Leisure Parks and have been the Vice President since 2019. I am a member of the European Board of the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA), as well as Chairman of the IAAPA Education sub- committee for Government Relations in Brussels.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
IAAPA conferred the designation of “IAAPA Certified Attractions Executive (ICAE),” passed at the Cornell University, to me in 2011. In 2013, IAAPA Education Executive Education and San Diego State University honored me with the Certificate of Educational Achievement.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
When Europa-Park decided to build an indoor water park, I knew it would be special and challenging to build in Germany, so I was eager to be part of the 7-year journey from the first day of planning through opening day and beyond.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Coming from working in Europa-Park, I love the interaction of the guests but just as important is taking that interaction and using it in the planning of each new attraction.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
That’s easy, Roland Mack, the creator and founder of Europa-Park and the whole Mack family.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Germany is a wonderful country but has a very rigid pool code. We had to work a lot with the regulators to get them to accept a groundbreaking project like Rulantica.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
It is in my DNA to be organized and I have a great team that keeps me heading in the right direction.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
You have to be flexible in your work schedule, you have put safety into everything you do, and you must Love Your Guests! But this is a fast- moving, evolving business and world we live in so always be open to experiencing what is new.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
Beside the Industry magazines like
World Waterpark Magazine &
Funworld, I am a big believer in great books on business strategies. One of my favorites is
Blue Ocean Strategies, which is an amazing tool on how to deal with any form of competition.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Mentoring young talent, steering them to greatness and building a complete and unified team.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
The theme park and water park industry are my world. I love to work in this field. Here I can meet a lot of interesting people every day. Every day has its own new magic.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
When Rulantica was studying the worldwide waterpark industry, we found it was a great networking and educational opportunity. The networking opportunities have been especially rewarding.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I was a lifeguard at the North Sea in my younger days. Due to the fact that my wife lives in Bavaria, I’m a “part-time Bavarian.” •