Baha Mar Ltd today announced that Paul V Pusateri has been named chief operating officer of Baha Mar, effective immediately.

In this new role, Pusateri will be responsible for all day-to-day operations at the $3.5-billion destination gaming resort, which is the largest single-phase luxury resort project in the history of the Caribbean.

Pusateri will also serve as general manager of the Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, which will feature 1,000 luxury guestrooms and a 100,000 sq ft casino with 1,500 slot machines and 150 table games. The development is scheduled to open in December 2014.

“Paul’s experience in developing, opening and operating successful casinos and luxury resorts will help us to position Baha Mar as a premier global gaming destination,” says Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“His casino and hospitality management skills will help us to recruit, train and develop the best employees to deliver an outstanding guest experience, which will be essential to our long-term success.”

Previously, Pusateri served as COO of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Prior to that, he served as president of the Palms Casino Resort and Palms Place, a boutique Las Vegas property that features the Playboy Club, Ghostbar and other high-profile amenities.

“Baha Mar’s scope and beauty will redefine the gaming resort experience in the Caribbean,” says Pusateri. “I’m confident that our new workforce will provide the ultimate in Bahamian hospitality, which will help to attract discriminating gaming guests from the US, Latin America and other global markets.”

“These travelers literally have a world of choices in destination casinos, and we’re committed to offering a level of service that will be a point of pride in The Bahamas.”