Dreamworld’s parent company, Ardent Leisure, says CEO Deborah Thomas will step down, to be replaced by former Nine Network chief financial officer Simon Kelly.

Ms Thomas was at the helm of the company during the 2016 Dreamworld ride tragedy, which saw four people lose their lives when a ride malfunctioned.

In a statement, Ardent Leisure said Ms Thomas would begin a new role as chief customer officer and chief operating officer for Australasia from July.

“This will include particular focus on overseeing the recovery and revitalisation of Dreamworld,” the statement said.

The company said the move was part of its plan to transform the company into a “global entertainment company” with a focus on the US market.

Ardent Leisure chairman George Vendaros heaped praise on Ms Thomas, who joined the company in 2013 as a non-executive director before taking over as CEO and managing director in 2015.

“During Deborah’s leadership our company has experienced an unprecedented level of reorientation and change and has positioned itself strongly for solid future growth,” he said.

Mr Kelly, whose most recent job was as a Virgin Australia project director, will receive a base salary of $600,000 per year until 2020.

However, he could receive up to $900,000 extra per year if he meets short and long-term incentives.

Alongside his previous role at the Nine Network, he also has board experience with Sky News and on-demand entertainment service Stan.

News of the announcement prompted Ardent’s share price to lift by 2 per cent, up to $2.055.

The company was hit with a $50 million loss in the wake of the rapids ride tragedy, which saw Dreamworld shut for 45 days in late 2016.

“The effects of this tragedy will be felt for some time and there is much healing still to take place,” Ms Thomas said in February.

—ABC