A wave of seasoned leadership is reshaping Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International, signaling a period of ambitious growth and strategic realignment. These changes, announced recently, place veteran executives at the helm of key properties across the nation, poised to navigate a dynamic landscape.
The appointments reflect the company’s expanding footprint in both gaming and hospitality, with new presidents taking charge of flagship resorts in Florida and Ohio. A dedicated senior executive will also focus on the highly anticipated Hard Rock project in Las Vegas, a venture promising to redefine the iconic Strip.
These leaders collectively represent decades of experience in managing large-scale casino resorts, hotels, and entertainment venues. Their expertise is expected to elevate guest experiences, empower team members, and strengthen ties with the communities they serve.
Randy Morton, a name synonymous with Las Vegas excellence, is heading to South Florida as president of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. For over a decade, he steered the Bellagio as president and chief operating officer, demonstrating a mastery of luxury hospitality and complex operations.
Morton’s impressive resume also includes pivotal roles at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, OVG’s hotel and casino development, and Foley Entertainment Group, where he served as co-CEO alongside the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. He will report directly to Seminole Gaming COO David Hoenemeyer.
Travis Lunn will assume leadership of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, the company’s largest casino operation in Florida. Lunn brings over 25 years of industry experience, including a distinguished tenure as president and chief operating officer at Mandalay Bay.
His portfolio extends to oversight of The W, Luxor, and Four Seasons resorts within MGM Resorts International, alongside senior leadership positions at Borgata and within MGM’s Southeast operations. Lunn’s breadth of knowledge will be invaluable in Tampa.
Bo Guidry is moving north to Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, bringing with him seven years of successful leadership from the Hollywood, Florida property. He expertly guided the launch of the iconic Guitar Hotel expansion and the introduction of new offerings like sports betting and live table games.
In Cincinnati, Guidry will report to Hard Rock International COO Jeff Hook, continuing his track record of innovation and growth. His experience will be crucial as the Cincinnati property evolves.
Justin Wyborn transitions to Las Vegas as senior vice president and general manager of the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Having previously led Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, Wyborn now focuses on bringing the Hard Rock vision to life on the Strip, with a planned opening in 2027.
Wyborn’s 25+ years of global hospitality experience will be instrumental in shaping the Las Vegas resort, and he will report to property president Joe Lupo. The project represents a significant investment in the future of Las Vegas entertainment.
These leadership changes unfold against a backdrop of both expansion and increased scrutiny. Hard Rock International is actively developing a new hotel and casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico, further solidifying its international presence.
Simultaneously, Seminole Gaming’s Florida operations are facing heightened attention following reports concerning alleged illegal gambling activity within the state’s complex gaming landscape, where the Seminole Tribe holds considerable influence.
Adding another layer of complexity, Florida’s gaming environment is under fresh political scrutiny. Governor Ron DeSantis has voiced concerns about Kalshi, a federally regulated prediction market platform, potentially infringing upon the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive gambling rights as outlined in their state compact.
DeSantis specifically questioned whether certain contracts offered by Kalshi resemble sports betting, a domain currently controlled by the Seminole Tribe through its Hard Rock platform. This debate highlights the evolving dynamics of gaming regulation and tribal sovereignty.
