Hard Rock Cafe International Names Hamish Dodds President and CEO

Hard Rock Cafe International Names Hamish Dodds President and CEO 


ORLANDO, Fla., March 5  /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock Cafe International
(http://www.hardrock.com/), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Rank Group Plc ,
today announced that Hamish Dodds hasbeen named president and chief executive
officer effective March 8, 2004.  Dodds most recently held similar positions
with Cabcorp and PepsiCo Beverages International.

In addition to more than 100 signature Hard Rock Cafes in 40 countries, Hard
Rock has recently extended the brand into Hard Rock Hotels, Hard Rock Casinos
and Hard Rock Live entertainment venues.

Prior to joining Hard Rock Cafe, Dodds worked in a variety of industries before
joining PepsiCo in 1989.  In the 13 years he was with PepsiCo, he gained
extensive international experience in franchising, joint ventures and brand
management from a number of roles including Finance, General Management and
Business Development in Europe, the Middle East and the USA.

Commenting on the appointment, Mike Smith, Chief Executive of The Rank Group,
said, "I am delighted that Hamish has agreed to join the Group and am confident
that his considerable expertise in brand and franchise management will prove
invaluable as Hard Rock enters its next phase of development."

Dodd will be relocating to Orlando from Miami with his wife and three children.

About Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe, one of the most globally recognized music, entertainment and
dining brands, has a network of more than 100 signature Hard Rock Cafes in 40
countries and a music memorabilia collection valued at nearly $32 million. Known
for collectible and fashion merchandise, live concerts, Hard Rock Live
performance venues, hardrock.com and Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, Hard Rock
Cafe International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Rank Group PLC
which is based in London, UK (NASDAQ:RANKY). For more information on Hard Rock
Cafe, visit http://www.hardrock.com/. 

DATASOURCE: Hard Rock Cafe International



CONTACT:  Brian Siemienas, Hard Rock Cafe, [phone]; John Gogarty,

Coyne PR, [phone], for Hard Rock Cafe International



Web site:  http://www.hardrock.com/ 

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