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David McKillips has been named chief executive officer of Topgolf International, effective Feb. 23. He is tasked with overseeing the eatertainment chain’s strategic vision and growth.

McKillips has more than 30 years of experience in family entertainment, media, and theme park industries. He most recently served as president and CEO of CEC Entertainment, parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza. There, he led the company through global expansion and modernization efforts bolstered by a $350 million strategic investment. He also guided the organization through financial restructuring following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2020.

“Topgolf is a brand I’ve long admired; one that brings people together through unforgettable shared experiences no matter their level of interest in the game of golf,” McKillips said in a statement. “I’m honored to lead such a talented team that has and continues to expand the player experience through unrivaled hospitality and innovative sports technology.”

Prior to CEC Entertainment, he served in several leadership roles at Six Flags Entertainment that spanned operations, food and beverage, retail, games, and procurement. McKillips managed operations for theme parks in Canada and Mexico, led the development of new parks globally, founded the company’s sponsorship sales and activation division, and launched the Six Flags TV Network.

He joins Topgolf about four months after a majority stake of the concept was sold to private equity firm Leonard Green for approximately $1.1 billion. Topgolf Callaway Brands, which acquired Topgolf in 2021 for $2.6 billion, has retained a 40% stake. 

Topgolf has had a challenging few quarters as consumers pull back on their discretionary spending. Same-venue sales declined by double digits throughout much of 2025, and previous CEO Artie Starrs announced his resignation in August. 

Still, it has continued to grow and now includes more than 100 entertainment venues. In January, Topgolf opened its 15th venue in its home state of Texas. 

Contact Alicia Kelso at Alicia.Kelso@informa.com

Follow her on TikTok: @aliciakelso