One of Atlantic City’s newest entries, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, is replacing its president a little over three months after opening its doors for the first time, reports US media outlets.
Hard Rock International, who spent around $500m renovating the former Trump Taj Mahal property, debuted its offering on 27 June, under the tutelage Matt Harkness, who oversaw the planning, construction and opening of the property.
The Florida based organisation has now announced that Harkness is to be replaced by Joe Lupo, who takes the reigns after previously serving as president of Hard Rock’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa entity.
Jon Lucas, Hard Rock International’s chief operating officer, stated: “I would like to thank Matt for his contribution to Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City, and appreciate his efforts leading the successful opening of this exceptional property.”
No official reasons has been issued for the sudden change, with Hard Rock simply saying Harkness is to assume “new responsibilities” within the organisation, but offering no further detail as to what that could possibly entail.
Prior to joining the Seminole Hard Rock in Tampa, Lupo, who will officially take up his new role on November 1, spent 30 years at Boyd Gaming Corporation, including 13 years at its Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa property, its interest of which was sold for approximately $900m a little over two years ago.
Occupying the role of vice president, Lupo’s duties included overseeing gambling, marketing and entertainment.
“Joe has been a talented and proven leader at our Tampa property and previously at Borgata, creating significant property success in both markets,” added Jim Allen, Hard Rock’s chairman and CEO.
During its first full month of operation Hard Rock Atlantic City came in third for total gaming revenue, with its $32.7m topped only by Tropicana ($37m) and Borgata ($76.6m).
August’s $31.2m was another solid showing, but the property slipped to fourth as Harrah’s ($31.5m) joined Tropicana ($35.7m) and Borgata ($76.3m) in topping its figure.
