Hard Rock Appoints Ex-Sands Executive To Lead Japanese Arm

Hard Rock Café International, the U.S-based café and casino group has appointed industry veteran Edward Tracy as the chief executive officer of its newly-set up Japanese unit, Hard Rock Japan LLC.

Tracy retired from his role as the president and chief executive of Macau casino operator Sands China in March 2015 where he played a pivotal role in establishing the group’s presence in Cotai.

After his retirement, Tracy was hired immediately as a consultant.

In a statement Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International said,

As the former CEO of Sands China Ltd and CEO of the Trump Organization, Tracy brings more than 30 years of proven gaming, hospitality and integrated resort experience to Hard Rock. We are confident in Tracy’s ability to lead the company’s efforts in Japan and we look forward to seeing our business continue to grow under his leadership.

Japan recently passed the Integrated Resorts Promotion Bill that has legalized casino gambling in the country allowing for the development of integrated casinos in the country.Industry analysts have estimated that the market can generate gaming revenues of up to $40 billion within a few years of operation.

Hamish Dodds, chief executive of Hard Rock International Inc had confirmed last year that the company was interested in making a major investment into the Japanese market. With the appointment of Tracy and the creation of the Japanese unit, the company has highlighted its commitment to expansion and growth in Asia.

Tracy has over 30 years’ experience in the industry and has overseen the opening of Sands China’s $4.2-billion Sands Cotai resort in 2012 as well as the development of the $2.7 billion Parisian Macao. Prior to his stint with Sands, Tracy was the president and CEO of Capital Gaming, a regional casino management company. He has also served as president and CEO of the Trump Organization, where he managed over 3,000 luxury hotel rooms and gaming space of 240,000 square feet as well as around 12,500 employees.

Hard Rock said that with the passage of the bill in Japan, it would be leveraging the expertise and experience of Tracy in making a serious bid for the licenses when they become available.

Hard Rock International which has operations in over 74 countries worldwide is currently in expansion mode. The company partnered with Melco International Development Ltd to make a joint bid to develop a new casino in the Republic of Cyprus.