mark trinskeSeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. has hired Mark Trinske to fill the role of vice president, investor relations. Trinske replaces Gene Ballesteros, who has served as IR senior director, as well as treasurer for the Orlando-based aquatic theme park chain, since 2013. Ballesteros will continue with the company, transitioning to the tile of treasurer.

Trinske recently served as investor relations VP for consumer finance company EZCORP. Prior to that, he held senior IR positions at Norit N.V., Energy Conversion Devices, Affinia Group and Bell and Howell. In total, Trinske has more than 20 years of investor relations experience.

"We are excited to have Mark join our company and are looking forward to the leadership and experience he brings to our investor relations team," said SeaWorld Entertainment CFO Peter Crage.

SeaWorld CEO Jim Atchinson in December stepped down and moved into a vice chairman role following mounting PR problems that had caused visitor attendance and shares to plummet at the national theme park. He was replaced by Joel Manby.