GGRAsia – Japan casino suitor Hard Rock promotes Ed Tracy CEO, Asia

Japan casino suitor Hard Rock promotes Ed Tracy CEO, Asia

Oct 27, 2017 Newsdesk Japan, Latest News, Top of the deck

Edward Tracy (pictured), an executive responsible for pursuing a Japan casino licence on behalf of gaming and hospitality brand Hard Rock International, has been promoted to be its chief executive for Asia.

In January Mr Tracy had been named as CEO of the group’s newly created Japan division, Hard Rock Japan LLC.

Mr Tracy – who retired as president and chief executive of Macau casino operator Sands China Ltd in March 2015 – led that firm during a key point in its Cotai construction phase, including the opening of Sands Cotai Central in April 2012 and the development of the Parisian Macao, which subsequently opened in September 2016.

James Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, was quoted stating in a Thursday press release: “As the former chief executive of Sands China Ltd and chief executive of the Trump Organization, Tracy brings more than 30 years of proven gaming, hospitality and integrated resort experience to Hard Rock.”

Mr Allen added: “We are confident in Tracy’s ability to lead the company’s efforts in Asia and we look forward to seeing our business continue to grow under his leadership.”

In Thursday’s release, Hard Rock International said it “intends to apply [its] expertise and recognition as a major contender among the bidders for resort licences” in Japan. The group says it has been operating the Hard Rock Cafe brand in Japan for 30 years.

According to Thursday’s press announcement, when Mr Tracy served as president and chief executive of the Trump Organization, he was responsible for managing over 12,500 employees, 3,000 luxury hotel rooms and 240,000 square feet (22,300 sq metres) of casino space.

The Trump Organization is the current name for the property conglomerate founded by the family of the present U.S. leader, President Donald Trump. Japanese politician Shinzo Abe – due to be that country’s prime minister once more, following a snap poll this month – was reportedly one of the first world leaders to meet Mr Trump in person following the latter’s November 2016 election victory.

It is on Mr Abe’s watch that the cross-party casino liberalisation policy has been pursued in Japan as a form of economic stimulus to promote tourism.