Edward Tracy CEO for Hard Rock’s new Japan division

Edward Tracy

Hard Rock International announced on Monday the launch of a new division of the company, Hard Rock Japan LLC, as well as the appointment of Edward Tracy as its CEO.

According to a statement from Hard Rock International, Tracy’s appointment is “a strategic move designed to support the company’s growth plans in the region.”

Japan’s legislature recently approved the country’s Integrated Resorts Promotion Bill, marking the first step toward the legalization of gaming in a market that CLSA gaming analysts estimate to be worth USD40 billion.

With 30 years of experience in the Japanese market, including six Hard Rock Café locations currently in operation, the company now plans to expand their portfolio by becoming a contender among the bidders for Japanese resort licenses.

Tracy has held a number of positions within the gaming and hospitality industry in the past. In July 2010 he joined Sands China Ltd, a subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands Corp., as its president and chief operating officer. He later became the company’s CEO in July 2011, responsible for the oversight of the largest integrated resort operator by revenue, accounting for some 13,000 hotel rooms and 30,000 employees.

Prior to Sands, Tracy served as president and CEO of Capital Gaming, a multi-jurisdictional manager of regional casinos, as well as president and CEO of the Trump Organization, where he was responsible for managing 12,500 employees, 3,000 luxury hotel rooms and 240,000 square feet of casino space.

In October 2014, Harvard Business Review named Tracy as one of “The Best-Performing CEOs in the World” in its annual top-100 ranking.

“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,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, as cited in the statement.

“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,” he added.

The statement also noted that the appointment of Tracy and the launch of Hard Rock International’s Japan division confirm the company’s “expansion efforts and commitment to growth in Asia.” DB