ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Hard Rock International – owner of one of the world’s most-recognizable and iconic brands – announces the appointment of 30-year hospitality veteran, Jon Lucas, as EVP of Hotel & Casino Operations. In this new position, Lucas will be instrumental in further igniting the brand’s transition into a world-class, full-service hotel and casino management company.

Lucas originally joined Hard Rock in 2013 as the president of the Hard Rock Rocksino in Northfield Park, where he managed everything from site design and construction to the hiring and onboarding of key executives. During his tenure at the Rocksino, Lucas’ efforts led to the venue quickly becoming a dominating market share leader in Ohio.“Jon Lucas is a seasoned executive with the proven unique ability to see operations from both the brand and operators point of view,” says Hamish Dodds, chief executive officer for Hard Rock International. “We look forward to seeing our business continue to grow under his leadership.” Prior to joining Hard Rock, Lucas was the president and general manager of the IP Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi for six years. Lucas also spent four years as regional president at Caesars Entertainment where he was responsible for the oversight of three properties, including more than 1,700 rooms and full-service gaming facilities, encompassing over 5,200 slots and 150 table games.Internationally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all – music. Hard Rock’s portfolio of Hotels and Casinos are located in the world’s most enviable resort destinations, as well as urban gateway cities. Hard Rock Hotels cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today’s cosmopolitan, modern travelers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable properties, whether for business or leisure travel. For more information or to book a stay at any of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.    About Hard Rock InternationalWith a total of 198 venues in 63 countries, including 152 cafes, 21 hotels and 10 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company’s two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Juan, Rio de Janeiro and Marrakech. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Daytona Beach, Dubai, Los Cabos, Dallas-Fort Worth, Tenerife, Abu Dhabi, and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.