Hard Rock International has announced former US political consultant Ado Machida as its new President of Hard Rock Japan.
The appointment comes as Hard Rock ups the ante in its pursuit of one of three Japanese IR licenses set to be issued in 2019, with the company considered a strong contender should the northern island of Hokkaido be chosen as Japan’s regional IR location. Hard Rock has offices in Tokyo and Hokkaido.
Machida joins Hard Rock Japan from Navigators Global LLC, a management consulting organization specializing in strategic government relations, crisis management and business development.
As both the Principal and Director of Issues and Policy Management, he advised Japanese and US manufacturers, financial services and hi-tech firms looking to expand across the Pacific.
Prior to Navigators Global, Machida was Director of Policy Implementation for the Trump Transition effort, where he was responsible for managing more than 200 people to develop the strategic action plans for the Trump Administration. Additionally, he served as Chief Domestic Policy Officer for Vice President Cheney as well as serving in various leadership and advisory roles for Senator Bob Dole and his then Presidential Campaign. Machida has also held positions with Goldman Sachs & CO in New York and Tokyo and worked at the Boston Consulting Group based in Tokyo early in his career.
“Ado is well versed in foreign affairs and has specialized in international law, finance, business development and team building,” said Jim Allen, chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International. “He will play a key role in leading Hard Rock Japan’s expansion efforts in developing a new luxurious Japanese Integrated Resort focused on offering the best overall entertainment and amenities for family and friends to experience. I am pleased to welcome Ado Machida to the Hard Rock family.”
Machida is a law graduate from both Kyoto University and the New York University of Law. He also studied at Colombia University before transferring to Kyoto University, as well as attended Harvard Graduate School of Business before electing to pursue a career with an emerging growth company.
“With Machida’s Japanese fluency, his understanding of the Japanese culture and legal knowledge, along with his passion and experience in building bilateral business partnerships that focus on sustainable success, Ado has the leadership skill set that brings a key component to our team,” said Edward Tracy, chief executive officer of Hard Rock Asia.
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