no resort operator Hard Rock International has today announced the appointment of three key executives to senior positions within the group, appointments which the company has described as a strategic move aligning with the brand’s growth plan.

Jon Lucas has been appointed to the post of Chief Operating Officer, where he will oversee key company departments within the group. Lucas previously served as the brand’s executive Vice President of Hotel & Operations, assisting in the acquisition of branding rights in casino properties throughout the western US, also spearheading the groups’ entry into the Canadian market.

Former vice president of hotel operations development, Dale Hipsh has been promoted to senior vice president and will oversee Hard Rock Internationals entire hotel portfolio, reporting to Mr Lucas. Hipsh formerly held posts with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Sun International, working at its Atlantis casino and resort complex in The Bahamas.

Experienced industry executive Sean Caffery has been appointed to the post of senior vice president in charge of casino development reporting to fellow senior vice president Jeff Hook. Prior to his appointment at Hard Rock International, Caffery served as the chief executive officer and board member for the Seneca Commission of Economic Development LLC, managing the tribes Indian Development Corporation and its sovereign wealth fund.

In a statement announcing the appointments Jim Allen, chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International said: “As we continue to grow the Hard Rock brand beyond our existing footprint, we look to Lucas, Hipsh and Caffery to lead the expansion process with exciting, new projects in the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos pipeline, such as Atlantic City, New York City, Shenzhen and London”.