Peter Goudron, the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation's senior vice president, Operations (West) has announced the appointment of Raj Mutti as executive director of the new Hard Rock Casino Vancouver.
The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver is set to open this winter, debuting as the first of its kind in Canada, and will be a rebranding and renovation of the Boulevard Casino in Coquitlam, BC.
As the executive director of the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, Mutti will directly oversee operations and future development of the property.
"We have a highly engaged team at our Boulevard Casino that is committed to the very significant transformation required to implement the new Hard Rock Casino brand," Goudron stated. "It's a tremendous undertaking --- much more than a simple renovation -- and Raj will play a pivotal role with our current team to ensure the success of this transformation."
Mutti leaves Great Canadian's Hastings Racecourse & Slots property following a 15-year career that resulted in him being recognized as one of the youngest and most successful general managers of any major racetrack in North America. Owned by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, Hastings Racecourse & Slots employs 450 full-time, part-time and seasonal staff.
"Despite the continued systemic challenges associated with the horse-racing industry in North America, Raj and his management team have had a positive impact on the repositioning of Hastings Racecourse in the marketplace as an entertainment-based destination over the last several years," Goudron stated. "He has left an enduring legacy; one that allows for Great Canadian, the Hastings' management team, and the horse-racing community to continue that work moving forward."
"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to the BC horse racing industry, and I now look forward to bringing the new Hard Rock Casino Vancouver to the regional marketplace and making the casino an iconic entertainment destination," Mutti said. "Although this was a mutual decision between myself and the company, it will be difficult leaving my wonderful team at Hastings Racecourse and all the dedicated members of the horse-racing community. They have become like family to me over the years."
At Hastings, Darren MacDonald has been appointed Interim General Manager and will be responsible for all operations at the property where the recruitment process for the permanent role has already commenced. At Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino, General Manager Ken Stratton will take on full responsibility for standardbred racing overseeing all operations at that property.
(Great Canadian Gaming Corporation)