Hard Rock International (HRI) has announced that Anthony Faranca will be promoted to president of Hard Rock Atlantic City, subject to regulatory approval, effective September 1. A Philadelphia native, Faranca is a seasoned casino executive with extensive experience managing large gaming properties in several states including Maryland, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Faranca replaces Joe Lupo, who was recently named president of the Mirage in Las Vegas, which has been acquired by Hard Rock International, and will transition from the Mirage to Hard Rock Las Vegas. Hard Rock expects to close on the deal by years end.
“Anthony’s deep knowledge of the Atlantic City and Northeast region is an invaluable asset to the company,” said HRI Chairman Jim Allen. “We are confident that Anthony will continue Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City’s legacy of success and impactful leadership in the community.”
Faranca began his casino career in Atlantic City as a guest services manager and was promoted through the ranks to regional vice president of national casino marketing at the four Caesars Atlantic City properties. Faranca eventually relocated to Philadelphia and was appointed vice president and general manager of Parx Casino in 2009. Faranca then moved to Las Vegas to join Station Casinos and served as vice president and general manager for the Palms Casino Resort while also managing the company’s enterprise-wide strategy for table game operations.
Faranca returned to the east coast in 2019 and joined the Cordish Companies as vice president and general manager of Live! Casino in Hanover, MD. In this role Faranca navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, launched a FanDuel Sportsbook, and opened a 5,000-seat event center.
In related news, Mark Giannantonio was voted in as president of the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ), replacing Lupo, who has held the position over the past three years. Giannantonio is president of Resorts Atlantic City and previously was the general manager at Tropicana. He has spent his entire career as a casino executive in Atlantic City.
“I have deep roots in this community, and I am ready to work together with the city and the state to continue to advance Atlantic City and elevate its status as a leading entertainment hub and destination resort,” Giannantonio said in a statement.
“Mark is a lifelong Atlantic County resident who cares deeply about this city and community, and I am confident he will be a great voice for the industry moving forward,” Lupo said.
