Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park Announces Additions to its Executive Team

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Sep 05, 2013, 10:00 ET

NORTHFIELD, Ohio, Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park announces new members of its executive team, including Douglas Hoppe as vice president of marketing, Jeff Michie as vice president of finance, Mike Babinski as director of slot operations and Karen Ellington as human resources manager. In preparation for the late 2013 opening of Hard Rock International's first ever Rocksino, to be located in Northfield Park, Ohio, the new executives will contribute to developing, managing and successfully delivering the brand's iconic image to the region.

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"Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park demands passionate, qualified executives as it becomes the premier entertainment and gaming destination in the area," said Jon Lucas, president of Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park. "We are proud to announce the additions to our incredible team and look forward to working together to deliver an unmatched, authentic guest experience for the region's residents and visitors."

Douglas Hoppe, who previously opened Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa and helped expand it into the sixth largest casino in the world, will take on the role of vice president of marketing for Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park. His duties involve overseeing and driving all aspects beneath the marketing umbrella, from advertising and direct marketing, to loyalty programs and promotions. Hoppe has worked on the Hard Rock team since 2003 and understands the keys to success in the casino industry.

New Vice President of Finance Jeff Michie brings 24 years of gaming experience and a wealth of industry knowledge to the property. Most recently the executive director of finance at Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun, Ind., Michie will take his passion for the industry to the position to build a cohesive, strong and well-connected group that is dedicated to making the Rocksino a success.

Mike Babinski, director of slot operations, brings 22 years of industry knowledge to the Rocksino, most recently with Pinnacle Entertainment in St. Louis, Mo. His duties include analyzing slot floor performance, developing new techniques and strategies for optimization, managing resources and closely monitoring the overall gaming experience at the Rocksino.

Karen Ellington, with eight years of expertise, takes on the role as human resources manager and will be a huge contributor to a successful operation of the highly anticipated Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park. In addition to providing assistance and guidance to the Rocksino workplace, Ellington, under the leadership of Vice President of Human Resources Michelle Scott, aims to maximize the quality of guest relations and implement programs to enhance management of personnel and ensure delivery of unmatched guest service.

Internationally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock properties offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all – music. Hard Rock's current Hotel and Casino portfolio is located in the world's most enviable resort destinations, as well as urban gateway cities. Hard Rock Hotels cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today's cosmopolitan, modern travelers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable properties, whether for business or leisure travel.

To book a vacation experience at any of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.

About Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park
Hard Rock Rocksino, expected to debut December 2013 at Northfield Park Racetrack in Northfield, Ohio, will breakthrough as the premier entertainment and gaming destination in the midwest. True to Cleveland's musical history as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, the Rocksino will offer the legendary vibe of the Hard Rock brand, including more than 2,300 gaming devices, varied dining options, unparalleled live music events and a comedy club. The Hard Rock Live music venue, the fifth of its kind, will host sell-out crowds of up to 2,600 guests for live entertainment by renowned musicians, functions and banquets. Hard Rock fans will enjoy phenomenal dining at the world-famous Hard Rock Cafe, where its iconic memorabilia and live music will be a favored attraction in Northeast Ohio. In addition, the Rocksino will offer a Rock Shop with famed Hard Rock merchandise; a sports-inspired premium steakhouse, a Center Bar and a buffet with an endless array of options. As a focal point for the Center Bar leading into Hard Rock Cafe, Van Halen's red hot motorcycle makes "everybody want some" as one of many "arena rock" pieces from Hard Rock's unmatched memorabilia collection at the Rocksino. For more information about Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park or any of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 179 venues in 57 countries, including 141 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 companies' two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., 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 San Jose, Ibiza, Chennai, Istanbul and Tenerife. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Daytona Beach, Palm Springs, 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.