Irving-based CEC Entertainment (CEC), the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, has appointed Scott Drake as president and CEO, succeeding David McKillips, effective February 13, 2026.
Drake has served as chief financial officer since joining the company in 2024. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Farmer Brothers Coffee Co., GameStop Corp., and 7-Eleven, Inc. McKillips has served as president and CEO since 2020, leading the company through post-pandemic stabilization, transformation, and sustained growth, CEC said.
“Under Scott’s financial leadership, CEC strengthened its balance sheet, refinanced its capital structure and delivered growth through key strategic initiatives, and today, the company is in an enviable position among its competitors,” CEC Board Chairman Joshua Acheatel said in a statement. “We thank David for his outstanding leadership during a pivotal period for the company, and we’re confident that Scott is the right executive to lead CEC as a powerhouse in the dynamic family entertainment space.”
Targeting continued growth
Chuck E. Cheese recently completed a comprehensive remodel and brand refresh and has launched several new initiatives including brand extensions such as the new Chuck E. Cheese Adventure World concept and the development of Chuck E. Cheese in licensing and entertainment.
The company opened its first Chuck E. Cheese Adventure World in Arlington in November.
“CEC is operating from a position of strength as we move forward in 2026, and we are prepared to accelerate our expansion domestically and internationally, with brand extensions and diversified revenue streams,” said Drake. “As the global leader in family entertainment, CEC has the momentum, leadership team and iconic status to achieve continued success in the years to come.”
In 2026, the company plans to continue expanding its footprint through new Chuck E. Cheese Adventure World locations, the growth of its Mega-Superhero Playgrounds, and additional resort-based Chuck’s Arcades. It will also debut its first Chuck E. Cheese in the U.K. and continue expanding its international presence.
As of September 29, 2025, CEC and its franchisees operate a total of 657 venues, of which 501 were company-operated venues located in 44 states and Canada. Its franchisees operate a total of 156 venues located in 10 states and 16 foreign countries and territories, including Australia, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Kuwait, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago.
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Designed for families with kids 3 to 8 years old, the new active-play concept is "a colossal new experience unlike anything kids have ever seen," said CEO Randy Forsyth. "Adventure World captures all the fun, laughter and magic families love about Chuck E. Cheese and takes it to a whole new level, with our characters leading the adventure in amazing new ways.”
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