Hard Rock International Announces New GM for Casino in Punta Cana
May 7, 2012 - Hard Rock International, with locations from Bali and San Diego to Singapore and Macau, announces Jess Jorge Chavez-Muñoz as the new casino general manager atHard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, located on Macao Beach in the Dominican Republic, and representing Hard Rockʼs first all-inclusive Hotel & Casino, as well as the largest casino in th ecountry.
Chavez-Muñoz will be responsible for overall administration and backstage direction of the casino, partnering with both Hard Rock and hotel executives to develop and execute plans, as well as manage the Hard Rockʼs renowned vibe throughout the casino. As the new general manager, he will provide leadership and strategic direction to ensure successful operations, and is responsible for meeting and advancing the companyʼs vibrant mission and objectives.
“Mr. Chavez-Muñozʼs nearly 30 years of experience in the casino industry - during which time he has focused on leadership, strategic awareness and operational accountability - is the perfect match to lead casino operations at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana,” said Michael Shindler, executive vice president of Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos.
Jess Jorge Chavez- Muñoz holds extensive global experience in the gaming industry, most recently serving as casino director of Intercontinental Hotel & Casino in Puerto Rico and previously as general manager of Crowne Plaza Casino, Tilley Entertainment in Venezuela. In addition, Chavez- Muñoz boasts management experience from Grosvenor Casinos and Festival Cruise ship “Bolero,” as well as casino management positions in Peru, Russia, South Africa, London and the UK. Along with a deep understanding of successful casino operations throughout the world, his education qualifications include a Casino Certificate of Competence and Grey Manager License UK.
The 1,787 room Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is situated on pristine sugar white sands stretching 121-acres along Macao Beach in the Dominican Republic. Hard Rockʼs first allinclusive hotel and casino exudes lavish five-star all-inclusive amenities and personal services to create the ultimate rock star getaway, featuring an endless array of enticing outdoor activities and exhilarating entertainment options. Among the resortʼs many offerings are luxe accommodations featuring the Hard Rockʼs branded “Rock Star Suite,” the signature Rock Spa®, 18-hole Nicklaus designed golf course, iconic music memorabilia and a larger-than-life Vegas-style casino - the largest in the Dominican Republic, featuring Oro nightclub. Guests also enjoy 15 expansive pools, four swimup bars, a kids pool and lazy river. A variety of gourmet dining options are available through the resortʼs nine restaurants, including Brazilian steakhouse Ipema, Zen Asian Teppanyaki, Pizzeto brickoven pizza and Kerry Simon restaurant by the famed Rock n Roll chef, set to open in 2013.
The property also features more than 65,000 square-feet of flexible event and meeting space. 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 Rockʼs current Hotel and Casino portfolio is located in the worldʼs most enviable resort destinations, as well as urban gateway cities. Hard Rock Hotels cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of todayʼs 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 International
With a total of 174 venues in 53 countries, including 138 cafes and 16 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. 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. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau, Penang, Singapore, Punta Cana and Panama. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced including Cancun and Vallarta scheduled to open in 2012; and Riviera Maya, Hungary and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013. Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.
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