HOLLYWOOD – Hard Rock Cafe, which turns 50 this year, has made a new addition to its leadership team.

Kim Boerema has been named president of Cafe Operations for Hard Rock Cafe. The announcement April 12 from parent Hard Rock International comes as Hard Rock Cafe hits the half-century mark. The first cafe opened in June 1971 in London and has grown to more than 200 around the world. The Seminole Tribe of Florida is the parent entity of Hard Rock International.

Boerema will report directly to Jon Lucas, HRI chief operating officer.

“Kim joins Hard Rock with a remarkable track record and a wealth of experience in restaurant leadership, which we are confident will grow the Hard Rock Cafe brand,” Lucas said in a statement. “Kim’s vast experience and knowledge of the restaurant industry will bring a diverse set of skills to the team and provide crucial insight to the overall strategic operations for the Hard Rock Cafe division.”

According to a release, Boerema “will provide leadership and strategic oversight to company-owned and franchise cafes, drive Hard Rock’s world-famous branded retail merchandise business and grow the Hard Rock Cafe portfolio.”

Boerema comes to Hard Rock with more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industries. Most recently, he was the CEO of Delaware-based Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, a scratch kitchen and brewery concept with more than 20 locations, mostly in the Philadelphia area. His background also includes being chief operating officer at California Pizza Kitchen and vice president at Texas Roadhouse.

Boerema earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado, where he was an All-American wide receiver on the football team.