**Hard Rock International** has appointed **Chris Kelley** as the President of the upcoming **Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon**, anticipating its grand opening towards the end of next year.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Kelley is well-prepared to take on the role at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon.
In this position, Kelley will manage the casino resort’s operations located in Kern County, California, which is expected to open its doors in late 2025. He will report directly to **Jon Lucas**, the COO of Hard Rock International.
Expressing his excitement about the new position, Kelley remarked, “I am immensely excited to join the team at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon as President. It’s a fantastic opportunity to lead such a vibrant and exhilarating venue that truly captures the essence of entertainment and hospitality.”
“My aim is to collaborate with the talented team here to provide unforgettable experiences for our future guests and to support the ongoing success and expansion of this iconic brand,” he added.
Kelley’s previous role was as President & COO of the **MGM Resorts International Northeast Group**, where he managed operations at **MGM Springfield** in Massachusetts and **Empire City** in New York.
Within MGM Resorts, he also served as President & COO of **MGM Northfield Park** and was the CFO at **MGM Detroit**. He has also held significant leadership roles, including CFO and General Manager, at **Viejas Casino & Resort** in San Diego, California.
Jon Lucas commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Chris, a seasoned professional in the casino and resorts industry, to lead the operations at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon. This venue will offer premier gaming and live entertainment experiences to the burgeoning area of Kern County.”
He continued, “We are confident that Chris’s innovative spirit and extensive background in finance and operations will cement continued growth and excellence in Hard Rock’s leadership within the gaming industry.”