Hamish Dodds Steps Down As President And CEO Of Hard Rock Café International

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Oct 25, 2016, 09:37 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock Cafe International (USA), Inc., one of the world's leading hospitality companies, announced today that Hamish Dodds, its President and CEO, has decided to step down from his position in early 2017 to pursue new opportunities. The company is wholly owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It has been led by Dodds since 2004.

"It has been an absolute privilege working for Hard Rock over the last 13 years and leading the growth of this amazing brand, while helping to reinforce Hard Rock's unique character, and its commitment to service and philanthropy. Hard Rock is a place where staff are empowered to deliver authentic guest experiences in a rock and roll environment," said Dodds. "Today, the business is well positioned with a strong brand footprint and an extensive pipeline of projects in all business units. I wish the Seminole Tribe of Florida and all our Hard Rock employees and partners continued success in the future."

Jim Allen, the Chairman of Seminole HR Holdings, LLC, the company's parent, said, "We are grateful to Hamish for his leadership and vision. His global perspective was instrumental in the company's growth. His loyalty and passion are greatly appreciated, and we wish him well in the next stage of his career."

During Dodds' tenure, ownership of the company was transferred from the Rank Group in the United Kingdom to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Dodds was instrumental in both this transition and the transformation of Hard Rock into a global hospitality brand. Hard Rock International operates restaurants, hotels, casinos and live music venues in more than 70 countries. Hard Rock branded hotel properties have recently been announced in New York, London and Berlin.

Dodds will help transition the company to new leadership, and will also remain actively associated with Hard Rock's philanthropic arm, The Hard Rock Heals Foundation.

About Hard Rock International

With venues in 71 countries, including 168 cafes, 23 hotels and 11 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. HRI owns, operates, and franchises Cafés 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 HRI's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, FL, both owned and operated by 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 Reykjavik, Shanghai, Yangon, and San Juan. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Berlin, Dubai, Itapema, London, Los Cabos, New York City, Tenerife, and Shenzhen, Dalian and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

About Hard Rock Heals Foundation

The Hard Rock Heals Foundation is a registered §501(c)(3) charitable organization and oversees all philanthropic outreach for Hard Rock International. Music is energy; it stirs emotion, inspires, connects, and restores. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation exists to improve lives through the power of music. Since its inception in 1971, Hard Rock International has brought people together through the power of music. We have developed partnerships with artists ranging from emerging to iconic in support of charitable efforts around the world. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation provides grants and assistance to individuals whose goal is to heal through the power of music. Partnerships with like-minded, music-centric organizations allow Hard Rock Heals Foundation the opportunity to improve lives and promote wellness.

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SOURCE Hard Rock International