ORLANDO, Fla.—Hard Rock announces Marco Roca as EVP of hotel development for Hard Rock International worldwide. Roca’s appointment is a strategic move designed to further fuel the brand’s aggressive development activity and expansion prospects.
“Hard Rock International’s expansion strategy is of utmost priority, the dividends of these efforts are on display today as we have hotels currently under construction in Ibiza, Abu Dhabi, Shenzhen, and Haikou. Continuing this growth course demands a dynamic and knowledgeable individual who can help drive the momentum behind our hotel game-plan. Roca’s diverse experience aligns with this strategy and will be instrumental in growing our hotel portfolio,” said Hamish Dodds, chief executive officer, Hard Rock International. “We’re thrilled to welcome Marco Roca, a seasoned executive in hotel development and operations, to our team.”
Roca will be instrumental in engineering the brand’s growth, leading the exploration of new management and acquisition opportunities, as well as establishing and developing the brand’s expanding hotel portfolio. Roca brings more than 25 years of global real estate, hotel development and operations experience to Hard Rock, including significant roles with Starwood, Wyndham, and Hilton Hotels.
As senior vice president development at Starwood, Roca was in charge of franchise and management contract sales for all seven Starwood brands in Eastern United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. At Wyndham, Roca led the franchise and management contract sales for the Wyndham Worldwide hotel brands where he also played a key role in decisions affecting franchise sales including prototype design, fee structure, marketing, and franchise administration. Roca began his career with Hilton Hotels working on site at properties including the Fontainbleau Hilton, Miami and Myrtle Beach Hilton. He earned his master’s degree in management and organizational development from the United States International University in Mexico City and a bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology from the University of the Americas in Mexico City.
