As President and CEO, Hamish Dodds oversees all aspects of Hard Rock’s worldwide businesses, which include both company owned and franchise cafes, bars, hotels, casinos and live music venues, all showcasing the world’s greatest collection of authentic music memorabilia.
Hamish is responsible for the strategic development and operational results of all Hard Rock’s activities across 53 countries ensuring that all our guests enjoy the highest quality food, merchandise, service and entertainment experiences whenever they visit our locations.
Prior to joining the Hard Rock team in 2004, Hamish worked as CEO for Cabcorp, and also held senior positions with PepsiCo Beverages International, where he worked for 13 years gaining extensive international experience in finance, franchising, joint ventures and brand management from a number of senior roles in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
In his final position with PepsiCo, between 1997 - 2002, Hamish was President for South America, Central America and the Caribbean business unit and was responsible for the major re-franchising, brand recovery and financial turnaround in those markets.
Hamish is also a Non Executive Board Director for Pier 1, a public listed company on the NYSE, and one of the USA’s most successful specialty retailers of imported decorative home furnishings and gifts.
In both his personal and professional capacity, Hamish has championed many philanthropic initiatives and is particularly focused on efforts to address worldwide children and women’s causes through his association with WHY Hunger, Global Angels, the BCRF and the Campaign to Stop Sexual Slavery.
Hamish holds an honorary doctorate, Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts, Business Studies from Robert Gordon’s University in Scotland and is a Fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants (UK).
Outside of work, Hamish enjoys golf, running and a variety of water sports. He lives in Orlando with his wife, Susannah and their three children, Sarah, Katie and James. His favorite bands are Pink Floyd, The Beatles, U2 and The Killers.
As Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, John Galloway spearheads Hard Rock’s global marketing efforts for the company’s cafes and hotels/casinos, including live music, philanthropy, memorabilia, artist relations, sponsorships, promotions and special events.
John has more than 20 years of experience in the marketing industry, including an extensive background with PepsiCo in various capacities – Vice President of Marketing, Gatorade; Vice President/General Manager, IZZE Beverage Co.; Vice President, Sports and Media; and Brand Manager for Mountain Dew. Additionally, he's held international positions covering Europe and Africa. Prior to joining PepsiCo, John worked at Tracey Locke Partnership and Young & Rubicam.
John graduated from Manhattan College with a B.A. in Communications.
When not immersed in the world of marketing, John spends as much time as he can with his family: wife, Denise, and three children, Julia, JJ and Nicholas. He enjoys a wide range of music, and the last show he attended was U2 at Madison Square Garden.
Thimm brings over 25 years of extensive restaurant experience to Hard Rock, most recently serving as President of the upscale steakhouse concept - Stoney River Legendary Steaks based in Nashville, TN. Previous positions included President and COO of Palm Restaurants; co-owner of Martini Park in Washington, D.C.; and President of Al Copeland Investments, Restaurant Division in New Orleans, LA, where he oversaw the Copeland’s of New Orleans and Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro concepts.
Thimm will oversee the strategic development and operations of Hard Rock’s unique portfolio of cafes in markets from New York to Honolulu and London to Prague. Hard Rock is seeking to selectively expand in iconic locations around the world and Fred will play a key role in this expansion process.
Thimm is a graduate of Union College in Schenectady, New York and received his MBA in Hotel/Restaurant Management from the University of Denver. Fred also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association.
Michael leads the team responsible for the development strategy and ongoing operations of Hard Rock's franchised concepts worldwide. His primary focus is to ensure that Hard Rock's partners around the globe receive full corporate support and that the Hard Rock brands are deployed effectively as part of a comprehensive, global development program.
Prior to joining Hard Rock in 2011, Michael held many executive level positions with global brands within the hospitality industry. Michael served as SVP and Chief Development Officer for Rosinter Restaurant Group, as SVP and Chief Operating Officer for Chuck E Cheese's International, as Vice President of International for Carlson Restaurants, as Senior Vice President of Development for the American Express Hospitality Development Group, and as Director of Operations NY Region with Marriott International.
Michael also held the position of Vice President of Marketing for the NJ State Chamber of Commerce and spent some time working in the United States House of Representatives. As well he was an adjunct professor of Hotel and Restaurant Management for several universities from 1995-2001.
Michael graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy before attending George Washington University. Michael has always been an avid music fan. Being from New Jersey, he lists Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi as his favorite musicians, as well as The Who and Peter Gabriel.
Tom leads the finance and information technology teams that support Hard Rock's varying business interests in restaurants, hotels and casinos. He is responsible for the planning and control of the company's financial direction. He works closely with the CEO to prioritize opportunities and ensure the financial goals of Hard Rock are met. With over 15 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industries, Tom is capable of providing financial leadership and insight across the Hard Rock branded estate.
Prior to joining Hard Rock, Tom spent the past five years in the hospitality industry that included roles as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Orange Lake Resort and the Wilson Resort Management Corp., a real estate developer and a resort management company, and as Senior Vice President and Controller of Sunterra Resorts - an international timeshare developer. Tom's experience and knowledge of the restaurant business was developed in his tenure at Brinker International where he served in varying financial roles including Senior Vice President and Controller. At Brinker, Tom also gained experience in acquisitions and divestitures of business segments. Tom started his career at KPMG, one of the big four accounting firms, where he achieved the position of Senior Manager while gaining international experience working in United Kingdom and the US.
A University of Utah graduate, Tom received his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Utah and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys golfing at every opportunity. He lives in Orlando with his wife, Piper and their three children Austin, Lauren and Jordan Marie. His music of choice is always rock and roll with a long list of favorite bands that include U2, Bruce Springsteen, Lenny Kravitz, Rolling Stones, Guns N' Roses, Coldplay, Yellowcard, Foo Fighters, the Strokes and Jet.
Kim Creighton's responsibility is to provide proactive strategic and tactical support to Hard Rock through the development and implementation of HR initiatives that are in line with company objectives at all levels. She oversees Recruitment, Employee Relations, Compensation & Benefits, and Training & Development. She has been with Hard Rock a total of 15+ years.
Kim's career started in hotel operations where she was exposed to all aspects of human resources. Through dinner shows and restaurants, she transitioned into HR under Robert Earl in 1988 when they had 300 employees in Orlando. Two months after she joined "Orlando Entertains," they purchased Isaac Tigrett's part of Hard Rock Cafe and that is where the Hard Rock story begins. The corporate office relocated to Orlando and Kim landed the HR gig.
Kim obtained a Bachelor's degree from Jacksonville University in Marketing/Management.
When Kim's not working, you will find her entertaining her family and friends. As far as music goes, she is a southern girl that grew up in Atlanta loving (and still does) the Allman Brothers, Atlanta Rhythm Section, and the Eagles. Kim loves people, and the ability to make life better for all, and that is why she is in HR.
Jay Wolszczak leads Hard Rock's legal team that is tasked with protecting one of the world's most recognized and iconic brands. As the Vice President of Business Affairs and General Counsel, Jay handles or oversees all legal matters affecting Hard Rock International's worldwide businesses, including development and operation of franchised and company owned Hard Rock Cafes, development and operation of Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, merchandising, and live performance venues and events. His primary practice areas at Hard Rock include licensing, franchising, real estate, corporate, litigation management and intellectual property. Jay also oversees the risk management/insurance department of Hard Rock International.
Jay also serves on the Board of Directors and acts as the Corporate Secretary for Hard Rock International and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates. Jay is an integral part of every project, purchase, acquisition and franchise activity of the company throughout the world.
Prior to joining Hard Rock, Jay was an Associate with the law firm of Akerman, Senterfitt & Eidson, and prior to that he was an Associate with Holland & Knight. While with these firms his practice was primarily in corporate and real estate transactions.
Jay received his B.S. in Business Administration and his J.D. from the University of Florida in Gainesville, both with honors. Jay was a member of the University of Florida Law Review and the Order of the Coif.
Outside of work, Jay enjoys the outdoors, going to the beach, spending time on the ocean, and being a Gator football and basketball fan. Jay lives in Central Florida with his wife Marti and their three beautiful daughters, Anna Clare, Ava and Olivia. Jay's musical tastes are broad, but always rock and roll, with favorite bands including U2, Stone Temple Pilots, Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, Velvet Revolver, White Stripes, and The Killers.
Joseph Emanuele AIA, PP, ASID is responsible for overseeing the design and development of new cafes, live venues, retail stores, hotels and casinos, as well as overseeing Hard Rock Memorabilia. He leads the design and development teams for projects representing our brand to ensure the product offering meets our brand strategy and standards. Joe has a broad knowledge of the development business and brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality design, construction and real estate management to the Hard Rock team.
Joe gained valuable domestic and international experience in architectural and design projects as Vice President with The Friedmutter Group, shepherding all projects from beginning to end, from large multi-use hospitality projects to casinos, from entertainment and retail to hotels and condominiums. His extensive project list includes hotels and hotel casinos in Dubai, UK, Atlantic City, Las Vegas and the Gulf Coast and resort projects in the Bahamas and Europe.
Joe received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Drexel University, in Philadelphia, PA., retains NCARB certification, and is a licensed architect in several states. He is also a licensed professional planner and member of AIA and ASID.
When not leading state-of-the-art Hard Rock projects into the future, Joe enjoys boating, riding motorcycles, and collecting LGB Trains. Joe has lived in Toms River, New Jersey, with his wife, Tisha, and his daughter, Giana, for over eight years. As far as music goes, Joe loves the oldies, including Elvis, The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and the Bangles, as well as newer artists like Rob Thomas.
A seasoned retail executive, Vickie Kunkle has overseen all facets of Hard Rock International's global merchandise business since 1998. She spearheads all product development, buying, planning, logistics and visual merchandising within Hard Rock's worldwide portfolio, which includes cafes, hotels, and casinos, as well as the company's e-commerce site.
Driven by her passion for the retail business, she continually works toward expanding Hard Rock's retail presence by creating innovative, collectible and rock 'n' roll inspired items with broad appeal, while exploring new global resources to achieve maximum profitability throughout the supply chain.
Prior to joining Hard Rock, Vickie was with Champs Sports Merchandising Division, a multi-unit retail company which sells branded and proprietary softlines, hardlines, and footwear products. While with the company for 12 years, she gained extensive experience in both product development and buying domestic and international goods.
Vickie holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising from The Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. When Vickie's not working, you can find her hiking in the mountains of North Carolina or enjoying one of the beautiful beaches of Florida. She lives in Orlando with her husband, Bob, and children, Freddie and Corrine.
As Executive Vice President, Michael Shindler oversees the global development function for hotels and casinos, as well as the strategic and day-to-day management of the existing assets within the brand's current licensed and franchised portfolio and any new assets derived from the growth of the portfolio.
Michael has almost 25 years of senior experience in the hospitality industry, including establishing Four Corners Advisors, Inc., a hotel transactions and development consultancy, providing strategic and advisory services to developers, owners and investors in hotel real estate. He's also held senior positions in development with hotel companies (Hyatt/Hyatt International; Mandarin Oriental; Vail Resorts Lodging/RockResorts), an intermediary and advisory firm (The Plasencia Group), and a casino-hotel ownership and operating company (Las Vegas Sands Corp.). Before his foray into the hospitality industry, Shindler began his career as an Associate, then a Partner in the Chicago, Illinois, law firm now known as Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP.
Michael holds an A.B. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis.
Out of the office, Michael enjoys reading, mostly biography and American History, and is an avid soccer and Tar Heel basketball fan. His favorite bands (in chronological order from oldest to newest) are The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Buffalo Springfield, Bruce Springsteen, and U2. Michael has lived in Chicago his entire adult career, with his wife, Andrea, and two children, Adam and Carey (both of whom are now grown and in the hotel business, as well).