GGRAsia – Hard Rock appoints new executive to grow gaming in Asia

Hard Rock appoints new executive to grow gaming in Asia

Dec 15, 2014 Newsdesk Industry Talk, Latest News

Hard Rock International Inc has appointed Daniel Cheng as senior vice president of business development for Asia Pacific. The company said the appointment is a strategic move designed to accelerate momentum behind the brand’s global gaming growth plans.

Mr Cheng will be responsible for identifying the appropriate casino investment and development partners within key countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines, the company said in a press statement.

“Mr Cheng’s experience and strengths complement our company’s development needs and we’re looking forward to further growing the brand’s Asian footprint under his guidance,” Hamish Dodds, chief executive of Hard Rock International, said in a statement.

Bringing nearly three decades of multiple industry experiences, Mr Cheng’s past gaming experience includes development roles with slot maker Bally Technologies Inc, Singapore’s government and, most recently, Resorts World Inc Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Malaysian conglomerate Genting Group.

Resorts World Inc’s principal activities are investment holding and licensing of intellectual property rights, including the promotion of the Genting and Resorts World gaming brands and related intellectual property rights, the company states in its website.

In his new position, Mr Cheng will be based in Singapore.

Hard Rock International has a total of 194 venues in 60 countries, including 148 cafes, 21 hotels and 10 casinos. The company owns and manages some of the properties, while others are run in partnership with third parties.

The company is focused on growing its footprint in Asia, where it has several new hotel projects under development, but no major development including casino. There is one Hard Rock hotel and gaming area in Macau, integrated in City of Dreams casino resort, owned and managed by Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd.