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Hard Rock names new COO of corporate cafesHard Rock names new COO of corporate cafes

Michael Beacham moves from franchise side to oversee growth

Lisa Jennings, Executive Editor

December 2, 2014

1 Min Read
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Hard Rock International Inc. has promoted Michael Beacham to the position of senior vice president and chief operating officer of corporate cafes, the Orlando, Fla.-based company said Monday.

Beacham joined Hard Rock in 2011 as vice president of worldwide franchise operations and development, overseeing the brand’s franchise cafe portfolio, which reached 30 units during his tenure.

In his new role, Beacham will lead the team growing the corporate side of the business, which includes 65 units. He replaces Fred Thimm, who left the company.

“For the past three years, Michael was vital in expanding the brand’s franchise business, and we look forward to him bringing that same expertise, enthusiasm and business acumen in leading our company units as we continue to grow our brand,” Hamish Dodds, Hard Rock International’s president and chief executive, said in a statement.

Antonio Bautista will replace Beacham as senior vice president of franchise operations and development. Bautista was most recently Hard Rock’s area vice president of development and operations overseeing the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.

Hard Rock operates and franchises 193 venues in 60 countries, including 147 cafes, 21 hotels and 10 casinos.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout

About the Author

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality

Lisa Jennings is executive editor of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She joined the NRN staff as West Coast editor in 2004 as a veteran journalist. Before joining NRN, she spent 11 years at The Commercial Appeal, the daily newspaper in Memphis, Tenn., most recently as editor of the Food and Health & Wellness sections. Prior experience includes staff reporting for the Washington Business Journal and United Press International.

Lisa’s areas of expertise include coverage of both large public restaurant chains and small independents, the regulatory and legal landscapes impacting the industry overall, as well as helping operators find solutions to run their business better.

Lisa Jennings’ experience:

Executive editor, NRN (March 2020 to present)

Executive editor, Restaurant Hospitality (January 2018 to present)

Senior editor, NRN (September 2004 to March 2020)

Reporter/editor, The Commercial Appeal (1990-2001)

Reporter, Washington Business Journal (1985-1987)

Contact Lisa Jennings at:

[email protected]

@livetodineout

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-jennings-83202510/

 

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