Hard Rock Las Vegas Names Justin Wyborn as General Manager
Hard Rock International has appointed hospitality veteran Justin Wyborn as SVP and GM of its Las Vegas property
Hard Rock International has named its leader for one of the most anticipated casino openings in Las Vegas history. Justin Wyborn has been appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas. He joins the project as construction accelerates on the Strip and the 2027 opening window draws closer.
Over the last few weeks in 2026, Hard Rock has been announcing executive moves at the top of many Hard Rock locations nationwide, including a new president at the Tejon location.
A Veteran Operator Takes the Helm
Wyborn brings roughly 25 years of international hospitality experience to the role. His career includes positions at the Savoy in London, the Star Hotel and Casino in Sydney, and a 12-year tenure with Nobu. He joined Hard Rock International in 2013 and most recently served as General Manager of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati.
In his new role, Wyborn will report directly to Hard Rock Las Vegas President Joe Lupo. Together, the two will oversee the final phases of construction and the full pre-opening build-up before the property welcomes its first guests. For Wyborn, it represents the biggest assignment of his career. For Hard Rock, it marks the arrival of experienced leadership at a critical moment.
What They Are Building
The project is transforming the former Mirage site at the center of the Las Vegas Strip. Hard Rock International purchased the Mirage from MGM Resorts in December 2022 for $1.075 billion. The property closed in July 2024, and construction began the following day.
At the heart of the development is the 660-foot Guitar Hotel. The 42-story tower is shaped like an electric guitar and features illuminated strings that will glow over the Strip at night. As of early January, 28 of the planned 42 floors were already complete. The tower is already visible from both ends of the Strip and is being clad in two tones of blue glass.
When finished, the resort will offer close to 3,600 hotel rooms. That total includes 675 rooms and suites inside the Guitar Hotel, with the remaining rooms in the fully renovated former Mirage towers.
The casino floor will span approximately 175,000 square feet, nearly double the size of the Mirage’s original gaming space. In addition, the property will include around 2,000 slot machines, more than 200 table games, multiple pool complexes, two spas, live entertainment venues, and dozens of restaurants and bars.
A Historic Milestone for Tribal Gaming
The Hard Rock Las Vegas project carries significance well beyond its scale. Hard Rock International is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which makes this the first full-scale tribal-owned megaresort on the Las Vegas Strip.
While the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority owns Palms Casino Resort, Hard Rock Las Vegas will operate on a far larger level and in a far more prominent location.
The $4.3 billion total investment reflects the Seminole Tribe’s long-term commitment to the Las Vegas market. That figure has increased from earlier estimates as the scope of the project has expanded, including design upgrades, two new pedestrian bridges to neighboring properties, and enhanced pool and spa amenities.
Construction on Schedule
Hard Rock leadership has consistently described the project as on time and within budget. President Joe Lupo confirmed in recent weeks that the Guitar Hotel tower is progressing at pace, adding that pre-opening activities are already well underway.
Those activities include staffing builds, purchasing frameworks, and operational planning across all departments.
The resort is targeting an opening in the fourth quarter of 2027. However, Lupo noted that the final date remains subject to market and economic conditions. Up to 6,000 workers are expected to be employed at the property once it is fully operational.
A Defining Opening for the Strip
Wyborn and Lupo are now responsible for delivering one of the most closely watched debuts in Strip history. Hard Rock Las Vegas is widely expected to shift the competitive balance on the Strip. Other major operators have been watching the project closely since the Mirage closed. With leadership now fully in place and construction surpassing its halfway mark, the countdown to opening has begun in earnest.
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