The Casino Control Commission granted Joseph Lupo and Jeffrey Hook temporary casino key employee licenses and residency waivers, pending plenary qualification, Wednesday morning. Hard Rock announced earlier this month that Lupo would replace Matt Harkness as property president and general manager Nov. 1.
Lupo, who is currently president of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, was senior vice president of operations at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa until November 2016. He was with Boyd Gaming, who owned a 50 percent stake in Borgata until the company sold its share to MGM Resorts International in 2016, for nearly three decades.

“Lots of emotion today,” Lupo tweeted Oct. 1, the day the leadership change was confirmed. “Leaving an excellent team, great people, for a new challenge and exciting opportunity in Atlantic City. Thankful to be staying in the Hard Rock family and confident of the future. Thanks and best wishes to everyone.”
Hard Rock did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company did not give a reason for the leadership change and said Harkness would assume new responsibilities with Hard Rock International.
Hook, who is currently the executive vice president of development and marketing for Hard Rock International, previously worked for Harrah’s Entertainment as vice president of marketing, is replacing Todd Moyer.