Hard Rock International Wednesday named Mark Birtha as president of the company’s newest casino in Northern California.
Birtha, who most recently served as president of Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park near Cleveland, will oversee the under-construction Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain. Hard Rock Rocksino was recently acquired by MGM Resorts International.
The $440 million Hard Rock Sacramento is expected to open October 2019. Birtha will serve as the main point of contact in the agreement between The Seminole Tribe of Florida, owners of Hard Rock International, and Enterprise Rancheria – a unique gaming partnership between two Native American Tribes.
“As an industry leader, Mark is the perfect candidate to bridge the exciting collaboration between the two tribes,” Glenda Nelson, tribal chairperson of Enterprise Rancheria said in a statement. “We are pleased to unite with one of the most exciting and authentic gaming, hospitality and entertainment leaders in the world and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Birtha has more than 25 years in the gaming and hospitality fields, including Hard Rock International, Mirage Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Station Casinos, Marriott International and Starwood. He has also managed operations in destination, regional and local markets, as well as Native American gaming enterprises.
“Mark’s experience and passion for the brand make him the ideal leader for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain,” Jon Lucas, chief operating officer of Hard Rock International said in a statement. “While working with Mark over the past few years, I have witnessed firsthand the talent and devotion that make him an industry leader, and I am confident he will continue that track record of success in this new endeavor.”
