Hard Rock International has named Anibal Fernandez as senior vice president of its cafe division. Officials made the announcement in a news release Jan. 18.

Fernandez oversees close to 200 company-owned and franchised Hard Rock Cafes, across the globe. He was most recently the vice president of franchise operations and business development.

“Anibal is an essential part of our Hard Rock team with a proven track record for helping Hard Rock Cafes around the world exceed guest expectations,” Jim Allen, Hard Rock International chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO, said in a statement. “With over 20 years’ experience at Hard Rock alone, we have the utmost confidence Anibal will continue to support team members and enhance the cafe division in new and exciting ways.”

Hard Rock officials said Fernandez was first hired in 1998 as an operations manager and was quickly promoted to a general manager within the corporate division.

After a brief departure, officials said Fernandez returned to Hard Rock in 2003, serving as cafe general manager. He later oversaw the growth of franchised cafes in the Middle East, South Asia, Europe and Africa, in both director of operations and area vice president roles.

“It’s with great joy and admiration for my team that I take this next step in my journey with Hard Rock as cafe division lead,” Fernandez said in a statement. “I’ve had the privilege of working and growing within the Hard Rock organization and I’m excited to spearhead a continued era of excellence for Hard Rock Cafes around the globe.”

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is the parent entity of Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. More is at hardrock.com.