Sir Nicholas John Varney (born 1962[1]) is a British businessman who was the chief executive officer of attractions operator Merlin Entertainments.
He has over 24 years experience in the visitor attractions industry and was appointed chief executive officer of Merlin Entertainments in 1999.
In 1999, Nick led the management buyout of Vardon Attractions, majority owned by funds managed or advised by Apax Partners, to form Merlin Entertainments and, following subsequent private equity funded secondary buyouts, initiated the process which led to its acquisition by the Blackstone Group.
[3] In 2011, he stated his belief that free admission to British museums and art galleries were primarily used by "foreign tourists and middle class people who can afford it.
"[5] In 2013 Nick Varney was awarded an honorary doctorate by Staffordshire University "In recognition of his considerable business success on a global scale.