Career Journey
From early operations at SeaWorld to the CEO seat at Topgolf International — three decades of leadership across the entertainment industry's most recognizable brands.
The Beginning
Early Career
Early Operations Leadership
McKillips began his entertainment career on the front lines of some of the most beloved family destinations in America. SeaWorld and Sesame Place gave him his foundational education in large-scale guest experience — learning from the inside out what separates a good day out from an unforgettable one.
IP & Licensing
Late 1990s – Early 2000s
VP, Advertising & Custom Publishing Sales
Moving into the world of intellectual property at Warner Bros. and DC Comics expanded McKillips' understanding of how brands create cultural resonance. He forged landmark partnerships including a collaboration with LeBron James and Coca-Cola Powerade, and a deal with NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon — demonstrating his ability to bring bold cross-industry ideas to life at scale.
Scale & Innovation
2000s – 2019
SVP In-Park Services → President, International
Six Flags was where McKillips built his reputation as an operator of genuine scale. He guided the company through a debt restructuring and brand transformation, launched Six Flags Media Networks from scratch, led In-Park Services managing 17,000 employees across F&B, retail, games and procurement, and ultimately served as President of International — overseeing the inception of the first Six Flags theme park in Saudi Arabia at Qiddiya, which opened December 31, 2025.
The Turnaround
Jan 2020 – Feb 2026
President & CEO
McKillips joined CEC in January 2020 — six weeks later, a global pandemic closed all 658 locations. He navigated Chapter 11 bankruptcy, secured a $350M strategic investment, launched the brand's first membership program, created Pasqually's Pizza & Wings, and left the brand materially stronger than he found it.
The Next Chapter
Feb 2026 → Present
Chief Executive Officer
Effective February 23, 2026, McKillips assumed leadership of Topgolf International — operating 100+ venues and powering the industry-leading Toptracer ball-tracking technology. Under new majority owner Leonard Green & Partners, he is charged with accelerating Topgolf's evolution from golf venue operator to comprehensive experiential entertainment brand.