KidZania was created and developed by Mexican entrepreneur Xavier López Ancona, current KidZania CEO.[4][5] The first KidZania opened in September 1999 in Santa Fe Shopping Mall in Mexico City, and was named La Ciudad de los Niños ("The City of the Children").[4]
Corporate sponsors funded 55% of the initial investment.[1]
In 2007, KidZania engaged veteran entertainment strategist and dealmaker Andrew Darrow as Executive Vice President to expand the operation.
Cammie Dunaway joined in late 2010 as the global Chief Marketing Officer.[2]
The London KidZania, located at Westfield London, cost £20 million to build.[6] In partnership with British Airways, it is operated by Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors through their Longshot Ltd company.[6][7][8]