Deborah Thomas steps down as CEO of Dreamworld parent company Ardent Leisure

The CEO of Ardent Leisure has announced she will step down, six months after the Dreamworld ride malfunction which killed four people.

Deborah Thomas, who has been in the role for two years, will slip into a new role as Chief Customer Officer and Chief Operation Officer for Australasia from July.

Ardent Leisure said the move was initiated by Ms Thomas “after the completion of a review of the Group’s global growth strategy”.

Former Nine Entertainment Co. executive Simon Kelly will replace her as CEO.

Ms Thomas was appointed in April 2015 and oversaw the company's expansion to the US under its Main Event brand, but was criticised for her initial response to the deaths of four people at the Dreamworld theme park on the Gold Coast in October.

Ardent Leisure Group Chairman George Vernardos said Ms Thomas had contributed to significant changes within the company, shying away from positive growth.

“Our company has experienced an unprecedented level of reorientation and change and has positioned itself strongly for solid future growth,” he said.

More to come.