Hard Rock Las Vegas Announces Leadership Team Ahead of 2027 Opening

Lucas Dunn
By: Lucas Dunn
Las Vegas
Exterior view of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas featuring its iconic giant guitar sign and palm trees in Las Vegas

Photo by Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5

Key Takeaways

  • Justin Wyborn has been at Hard Rock since 2013
  • Hard Rock Las Vegas is set to open in 2027
  • It will be the first Las Vegas Strip casino with tribal ownership

In a significant reshuffle in the hospitality and gaming industry, Hard Rock International has appointed Justin Wyborn as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The venue is currently under construction and set to open in 2027, replacing the Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip.

Wyborn’s extensive experience in the hospitality sector, including his role as President of Hard Rock Cincinnati, positions him well to lead this ambitious project. His appointment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Hard Rock’s leadership team across the United States.

Leadership Appointments at Hard Rock International

Alongside Wyborn’s appointment, Hard Rock International has announced several other key leadership changes. Randy Morton has been named President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Morton brings over 12 years of experience from his tenure as President and COO of Bellagio in Las Vegas. He also held leadership roles at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas and OVG Hotel and Casino Development.

Meanwhile, Travis Lunn steps into the role of President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. He has over 25 years of experience in gaming and hospitality, including significant roles at MGM Resorts International.

Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, emphasized, “These appointments reflect both the exceptional talent within our organization and the caliber of new leaders we’re bringing to our team,” Allen stated. He expressed confidence that each appointee would uphold the company’s standards of excellence while contributing to its growth.

Justin Wyborn’s Vision for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

Justin Wyborn’s appointment comes at a critical time for the Strip. Hard Rock Las Vegas aims to reshape the city’s skyline. The new venue will feature approximately 3,600 rooms, including around 600 in the guitar-shaped tower.

Additionally, it will boast a casino floor of about 175,000 sq ft, thousands of slot machines, and over 200 table games.

Wyborn, who joined Hard Rock in 2013, has a strong background in international hospitality. He started his career at the Savoy in London and held executive positions at Nobu and various Hard Rock properties. He will report to Joe Lupo, President of Hard Rock Las Vegas.

What to Expect From the New Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is poised to become a major player on the Strip. It will be the first tribal-owned casino in the area. The opening of this $4 billion project is anticipated to be one of the most significant events in recent Las Vegas history. The combination of its prime location and innovative design is expected to draw attention away from existing attractions.

Lucas Michael Dunn is a prolific iGaming content writer with 8+ years of experience dissecting it all, from game and casino reviews to industry news, blogs, and guides. A psychology graduate and painter that transitioned into the iGaming world, his articles depend on proven data and tested insights to educate readers on the best gambling approaches. Beyond iGaming content craftsmanship, Lucas is an avid advocate for responsible play, focusing on empowering players to strike a balance between thrill and informed choices.