Chip Cleary, president and CEO of trade association IAAPA, has decided to leave his position at the end of the year to return to a leadership position within the theme park industry.

Paul Noland, theme park consultant, IAAPA board member and former Walt Disney Parks and Resorts executive, will take over the role as of January 2013.

The leadership transition will begin this autumn; Noland is currently principal and CEO of RPN Associates, a consulting and project management firm in the attractions industry.

"Chip has accomplished a great deal as president and CEO of IAAPA," said Roland Mack, IAAPA chairman and managing partner of Europa-Park and Mack Rides. "He restructured the association's global sales team; upgraded IAAPA's technology and critical operating systems; led the development and introduction of a new intellectual property programme; overhauled the organisation's budget and expense management processes; and ensured the success of the association's trade shows around the world."