By HENRY EMPEÑO

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A native Olongapeño has taken over the highest executive position at the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium, Inc. (SBMEI), which operates the popular Ocean Adventure theme park and Camayan Beach Resort in this free port.

Robert Ianne Gonzaga, formerly the firm’s communication director, was elected president of the company during the annual shareholders’ meeting held last month, a statement from the SBMEI said.

Gonzaga, who is the first Filipino CEO of SBMEI, started out in the local broadcast media in Olongapo City, became a news correspondent for Business Mirror in 2014, and subsequently wrote for Philippine Daily Inquirer and an international wire agency.

Gonzaga stepped into the position previously occupied by Scott Sharpe, who founded SBMEI along with Timothy Desmond and Gail Laule 17 years ago.

Others who were elected to the SBMEI board of directors are: Jack Lin, chairman; Atty. Alfredo Alex S. Cruz III, secretary; Susan L. Dudley, treasurer; and Atty. Manuel W. Quijano, board member.

SBMEI, the company that controls Ocean Adventure and Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel, has been in the tourism industry for 17 years as a company providing family-oriented activities and educational entertainment.

It built Ocean Adventure as the first open-water marine theme park in Southeast Asia which features animal shows, dolphin encounters, and other animal encounter programs.

Subsequently, it opened the Camayan Beach Resort nearby, which is now known for its clean beaches and natural setting.

Gonzaga said the SBMEI is now eyeing the opening of its Adventure Beach Water Park this year and will be expanding its tourism activities in the coming years.