Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International Extend Employment Contracts and Add World Class Talent to the Organizations

HOLLYWOOD, FL–(Marketwire – Dec 20, 2012) – The Seminole Tribe of Florida and Hard Rock International have extended the contracts of James F. Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, Brad Buchanan, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming and Hamish Dodds, Chief Executive Officer of Hard Rock International. Allen’s contract has been extended for five years, Buchanan’s for two years and Dodds’ for three. The Seminole Gaming contracts of Allen and Buchanan were extended by formal vote of the Tribal Council of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

In addition, Seminole Gaming announces the hiring of industry veteran Larry Mullin to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Mullin has 25 years of experience in gaming, including his most recent position with Echo Entertainment, Ltd., where he held the position of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Echo, Mullin was President & Chief Operating Officer of the tremendously successful Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa. Mullin also held senior executive positions with the Trump Organization and Harrah’s Entertainment.

Seminole Gaming also announces the hiring of Michael Volkert as Sr. Vice President of Slot Operations. Volkert comes from MGM Mirage resorts where he enjoyed a 16-year career as part of their senior management team in slot and marketing operations.

Hard Rock International also announces the hiring of Fred Thimm as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of corporate Hard Rock Cafes. Thimm brings over 25 years of extensive restaurant experience to Hard Rock, most recently serving as President of the upscale steakhouse concept Stoney River Legendary Steaks based in Nashville, Tenn. Previous positions included President and COO of Palm Restaurants, co-owner of Martini Park in Washington, D.C., and President of Al Copeland Investments, Restaurant Division in New Orleans, La., where he oversaw the Copeland’s of New Orleans and Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro concepts. 

“We are extremely excited about the opportunities to extend contracts for Brad and Hamish, who have led during the most successful years in the 41-year history of Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming,” stated Allen. ”On another high note, the addition of Larry Mullin to our team at Seminole Gaming and Fred Thimm at Hard Rock International gives us the ability to take both organizations to the next level of success. I have known Larry for over 25 years and have always admired his amazing success in the industry. With the involvement of Larry Mullin, Michael Volkert and Fred Thimm, I look forward to the future of Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming.”

About Seminole Gaming
In addition to its two Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., the Seminole Tribe owns and operates five more Seminole-branded Florida casinos in Coconut Creek and Hollywood on the Southeast coast, in Immokalee near Naples, on the Brighton Reservation north of Lake Okeechobee and on the Big Cypress Reservation south of Lake Okeechobee. The Seminole Tribe has long been recognized for innovation in its gaming and other businesses. It opened the first high-stakes bingo hall and casino in the United States in 1979. That facility was the forerunner of the Indian Gaming movement throughout North America.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 178 venues in 55 countries, including 139 cafes, 18 hotels and 8 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, Fla., 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, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Santiago, Nabq, San Jose and Guatemala City. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Aruba, Riviera Maya, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. New Hard Rock Casino projects in development include Hungary and Northfield, OH. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

2012-12-20 12:49:46

Source: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=1740209&sourceType=3