Hard Rock International Announces Marco Roca Executive Vice President/Chief Development Officer, Hotels

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Apr 22, 2014, 10:20 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock – one of the world's most-recognizable and iconic brands – announces Marco Roca as EVP of Hotel Development for Hard Rock International worldwide. Roca's appointment is a strategic move designed to further fuel the brand's aggressive development activity and expansion prospects.

"Hard Rock International's expansion strategy is of utmost priority, the dividends of these efforts are on display today as we have hotels currently under construction in Ibiza, Abu Dhabi, Shenzhen and Haikou. Continuing this growth course demands a dynamic and knowledgeable individual who can help drive the momentum behind our hotel game-plan. Roca's diverse experience aligns with this strategy and will be instrumental in growing our hotel portfolio," says Hamish Dodds, chief executive officer, Hard Rock International. "We're thrilled to welcome Marco Roca, a seasoned executive in hotel development and operations to our team."

Roca will be instrumental in engineering the brand's growth, leading the exploration of new management and acquisition opportunities, as well as establishing and developing the brand's expanding hotel portfolio. Roca brings more than 25 years of global real estate, hotel development and operations experience to Hard Rock, including significant roles with Starwood, Wyndham and Hilton Hotels.

As Senior Vice President Development at Starwood, Roca was in charge of franchise and management contract sales for all seven Starwood brands in Eastern United States, Canada and the Caribbean. At Wyndham, Roca led the franchise and management contract sales for the Wyndham Worldwide hotel brands where he also played a key role in decisions affecting franchise sales including prototype design, fee structure, marketing and franchise administration. Roca began his career with Hilton Hotels working on site at properties including the Fontainbleau Hilton, Miami and Myrtle Beach Hilton. He earned his master's degree in management and organizational development from the United States International University in Mexico City and a bachelor's degree in industrial psychology from the University of the Americas in Mexico City.

Internationally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock properties 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 getaway 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 International

With a total of 180 venues in 55 countries, including 140 cafes, 19 hotels and 9 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, Biloxi, Chicago, Cancun, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Seoul, Vienna, Anchorage and Siem Reap. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Daytona Beach, Aruba, Abu Dhabi, Ibiza and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.