Hard Rock International
Seminole Hard Rock Promotes Keith Sheldon to President of Entertainment and Brand Management
Seminole Hard Rock has promoted Keith Sheldon to President of Entertainment and Brand Management for Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International. In this new and expanded role, Sheldon will be responsible for oversight of brand management, consumer marketing, brand partnerships, and sponsorship revenue generation. He will continue to oversee all facets of entertainment including programming, talent buying, nightlife, and industry relations. Sheldon will continue to report to Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming.
“Since Keith joined our team in 2020 to lead our entertainment efforts, he has played an integral role in elevating Hard Rock and Seminole Hard Rock brands through strategic partnerships and once-in-a-lifetime events for our guests. We’re excited for Keith to continually build upon those incredible entertainment experiences with new partners and bolster our brands in new and exciting ways in his expanded role,” Allen said.
For the last four years as President of Entertainment at Seminole Hard Rock, Sheldon has booked numerous world-class entertainment, sports, and lifestyle events for the brand. These include performances by The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Maluma, Wu-Tang Clan, The Chainsmokers, Tiësto, Dave Chappelle, Post Malone, and many others. Additionally, Sheldon led Seminole Hard Rock’s groundbreaking partnerships with Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix and Las Vegas Grand Prix, Oracle Red Bull Racing, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Audacy, Horizon Media, and Lionsgate Pictures for John Wick: Chapter 4.
“I am honored to work with incredible performers, partners, and Team Members at Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming and look forward to growing our unique brand offerings for entertainment lovers and guests around the world,” Sheldon said.
Hard Rock International has partnered with Major Food Group (MFG) to develop and curate dining experiences at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino properties around the globe. MFG’s support of Hard Rock will extend to proposed projects as well.
Through the strategic partnership with Hard Rock, MFG will act in an advisory role to curate new food and beverage programming at existing integrated resort locations such as Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. In addition, MFG will support restaurant concept creation for Hard Rock properties in development like Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens.
“We always strive to provide our guests with memorable dining experiences, so we could think of no better partner to take things to new levels at these properties than the team at Major Food Group. We look forward to a terrific collaboration and bringing exciting new options to our guests,” Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, said.
“This is a truly unique opportunity to bring MFG’s deep expertise and innovation together with a hotel and casino leader to provide incredible food and beverage experiences for Hard Rock guests at locations both here and abroad,” Jeff Zalaznick, Co-Owner of Major Food Group, said.
This partnership builds upon the ongoing collaborative efforts between the two world-renowned hospitality brands following the successful CARBONE residency at Cipresso at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in December. The incredible dining experience was part of the New Era in Gaming for Florida celebration marking Seminole Gaming’s historic launch of Craps, Roulette and Sports Betting at six properties across the state.
Elena Alvarez
Seminole Hard Rock Promotes Elena Alvarez to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Partnerships
Seminole Hard Rock has appointed Elena Alvarez as the new Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Partnerships for Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International.
In this new role, the company veteran will be responsible for the development of brand activations and integrating assets across Hotels, Cafes, Retail, and Casinos including overseeing the development of new revenue-generating platforms. Alvarez will also continue to oversee the global marketing of the Cafe division of Hard Rock International. She reports to Jeff Hook, Executive Vice President of Marketing/CMO of Seminole Hard Rock Support Services and, with respect to brand partnerships, to Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment.
“Elena is an essential senior marketer with a proven track record elevating the Hard Rock brand for our Cafe division that includes spearheading F&B innovation and initiating and evolving the company’s successful multi-faceted partnership with Lionel Messi. With nearly 20 years of experience at Hard Rock alone, we have the utmost confidence that Elena will continue to elevate the Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming brands in new and exciting ways,” said Hook.
Alvarez began her career with Hard Rock International as a Sales & Marketing Manager for Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona in 2005. Since then, Alvarez held key sales and marketing roles in the Europe, U.K. and U.S. Cafe divisions where she developed regional and global marketing strategies, brand programs, and corporate sponsorships across the company and franchise Cafe portfolio to drive top-line sales while heightening consumer awareness. In 2019 after her move to the US, Alvarez was promoted to Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for the Cafe division where oversaw marketing in more than 150 Hard Rock locations (which will continue in her new role) and has proven to be an invaluable asset to the Hard Rock brand.
“I couldn’t be more excited to take this next step in my journey with Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming with the support of our incredible leadership and marketing team. I’ve had the privilege of building my career with the iconic Hard Rock brand and I’m excited to continue in an era of excellence for Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming through impactful brand partnerships for our guests and fans,” said Alvarez.
Hard Rock International
Hard Rock International Kicks Off 24th Annual PINKTOBER Campaign in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness and Research
Hard Rock International continues its longstanding support of breast cancer awareness and research with the return of its annual PINKTOBER campaign. Throughout the month of October, Hard Rock Hotels, Cafes, Casinos, Rock Shops, Bet and Games around the globe are “going pink” by participating in fundraising efforts supporting the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society and local charities. Adding to the millions of dollars donated throughout the history of the campaign, PINKTOBER raised over $1 million for breast cancer awareness and research last year alone, the largest single amount Hard Rock has raised since the program’s inception in 2000.
“Hard Rock is proud to unite globally for the 24th PINKTOBER campaign and create philanthropic activations that support organizations which benefit survivors, thrivers and those impacted by breast cancer,” Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, said.
Hotel Activations & Events
Hard Rock Hotels around the globe will host philanthropic-centered activations such as live concerts benefitting breast cancer research, plus engaging donation opportunities across local properties. Hard Rock Hotels is continuing the Sound of Your Stay program and in partnership with Gibson have created PINKTOBER, custom-designed guitars that will be displayed throughout properties. Guests can check out the guitars and make a donation through a QR code to help join fight against breast cancer. Hard Rock Hotel guests will also have the chance to indulge in pink-themed drinks, treats and exclusive spa treatments at the Rock Spa all month long.
Stay Strong Survivor Stays
Hard Rock Hotels encourages all fans to nominate fighters, survivors and caregivers. Each week throughout October, one deserving winner will receive a $5000 donation to the American Cancer Society in their name, a four-night all-inclusive stay for two in Punta Canta, Vallarta, Cancun, Riviera Maya or Los Cabos and a personal coaching session with breast cancer thriver & wellness guru, Samantha Harris.
Hard Rock X Samantha Harris
Hard Rock Hotels is teaming up with Samantha Harris, Emmy-winning TV host, bestselling author, certified health coach & trainer and breast cancer thriver, for sharing special content featuring tips from Samantha’s “Your Healthiest Healthy” book and online courses. Exclusive videos will be available for in room viewing and on the hardrock.com/PINKTOBER website. Additional tips will drop every Wednesday on Hard Rock Hotels’ Instagram where Samantha will provide advice on sleep, nutrition and feel-good workouts to help survivors, thrivers and others feel their best.
Limited-Edition PINKTOBER Pin & Merchandise
In partnership with American Cancer Society, Hard Rock International and the Seminole Tribe of Florida are celebrating tribal member Nancy Frank’s 20th anniversary of breast cancer survival with a special, limited-edition pin designed by tribe member and Native American artist Victoria Billie Osceola. 100% of proceeds from the commemorative pin, available throughout October and Indigenous People’s Month in November, will go to American Cancer Society.
In addition, Hard Rock International is offering exclusive limited-edition merchandise in support of breast cancer awareness and research, including a PINKTOBER-themed Hard Rock t-shirt, hat, water bottle, and tote bag. Through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, a portion of proceeds will go to charities that help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
The PINKTOBER commemorative pin and 2023 retail collection are now available in stores and online at Rock Shops.
Hard Rock Bet Online Sportsbook & iCasino Activation
In honor of PINKTOBER, Hard Rock Bet will make a donation to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation for every qualifying referral to its highly-rated online sportsbook and iCasino during the month of October.
Hard Rock Games
Hard Rock Games support PINKTOBER this year with a donation to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation that increases based on the volume of community spins on the free Hard Rock Jackpot Casino game. In addition, players in participating Hard Rock Games products can earn free entries all month for the chance to win their choice of limited edition PINKTOBER merchandise.
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