Hard Rock International in Orlando, Florida recently announced the appointment of three key executives in accordance with the brand’s strategic growth plan. Jon Lucas was named chief operating officer, Dale Hipsh was promoted to senior vice president and Sean Caffery was hired as senior vice president casino development, reporting to Senior Vice President of Casino Development Jeff Hook.
Most recently Lucas was president and general manager at IP Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi for six years. In his new position, he will oversee Hard Rock International operations, marketing, legal, finance, design and construction, and will report directly to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Allen.
Lucas left IP Casino in 2011 after it was purchased by Boyd Gaming. He joined Hard Rock in 2013 as president of the first Hard Rock Rocksino in Northfield Park, Ohio, managing site design, construction and executive hiring. The property became the market share leader among Ohio casinos within one year, Hard Rock said. In addition, under Lucas’ leadership, the company acquired Hard Rock casino and hotel rights in the western U.S. and key international markets, including Canada, and entered the hotel management sector. Hard Rock International currently has venues in 75 countries.
As senior vice president, Hipsh will oversee the company’s hotel portfolio, including managed and franchised properties, and report to Lucas. Formerly vice president of hotel operations and development, Hipsh opened 12 international properties, from concept to completion. Hipsh joined the Hard Rock brand as head of operations for the opening of both Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Florida. He began his career in hospitality at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, and he also has worked for Sun International’s Atlantis casino and resort in the Bahamas, and at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
