Hard Rock International has named John Rees as its new Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations. Rees is set to oversee hotel operations across the entire spectrum of HRI’s portfolio, including corporate-managed and franchised locations. His direct report will be to Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International.
Jon Lucas expressed his enthusiasm about Rees’s appointment, affirming: “We’re thrilled to have John lead the Hard Rock Hotel team as we continue to elevate our position as one of the world’s most recognized global hospitality brands.”
“His depth of experience guiding world-class luxury and lifestyle hotels paired with his results-driven leadership style makes John an invaluable addition to our company.”
With a background spanning over three decades in the hospitality industry, Rees brings a wealth of experience to his new role. “His passion for innovation paired with his extensive experience has inspired him to target industry challenges such as procuring and incubating hospitality talent through impactful leadership programs and ensuring quality control across key hospitality verticals,” said HRI in a press statement.
Rees’s educational journey in hospitality commenced at Newbury College and extended to various accredited institutions and universities worldwide. His pursuit led him to obtain certifications in restaurant management, leadership training, and wine studies from esteemed establishments like Cornell University (Restaurant Management) and the Wine and Spirits Institute UK.
He further honed his skills during his hospitality training at the Hotel Bellevue Palace in Bern, Switzerland, and earned an Honorary Degree in Culinary Arts from the Long Island Culinary Federation.
Starting his career as an Executive Chef at renowned hotels, Rees honed his culinary expertise and leadership acumen. His tenure progressed through roles as a Food & Beverage Director before focusing on Hospitality Operations.
Prior to joining Hard Rock International, Rees held senior leadership positions at global hospitality giants such as Marriott International and Ritz-Carlton, overseeing operations across multiple countries and continents.
Reflecting on his new role, Rees stated: “I’m thrilled to join Hard Rock at this pivotal point of the Hard Rock Hotels brand journey. Our future pipeline of hotel projects is very robust which will allow me to work me to collaborate with my teams to innovate and create more unique brand touchpoints and guest experiences.”
“My goal is to ensure that Hard Rock Hotels are synonymous with an exceptional vibe, making every guest feel like a VIP worldwide.”
