Hard Rock International has announced the appointment of Chris Kelley as President of its upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon. The new resort, located in Kern County, California, is set to open in late 2025. Kelley will take charge of the property, reporting directly to Hard Rock International COO Jon Lucas.
Extensive Experience in Casino and Resort Management
Chris Kelley’s appointment comes with a wealth of experience in the casino and resort industry. Before joining Hard Rock, Kelley served as President and COO of MGM Resorts International’s Northeast Group. In this role, he managed operations at MGM Springfield in Massachusetts and Empire City in Yonkers, New York.
Jon Lucas, COO of Hard Rock International, expressed enthusiasm about Kelley’s new role: “A veteran of the casino and resorts space, we are so excited to have Chris join our team and lead operations at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon set to bring premier gaming and live entertainment experiences to the growing Kern County area.” He further stated, “We are confident Chris will bring forth his innovative and extensive background in finance and operations, ensuring continued growth and excellence for Hard Rock’s leadership in the gaming industry.”
Prior to his time at MGM Resorts, Kelley held notable leadership positions including President & COO of MGM Northfield Park, where he successfully launched the property with the highest gross gaming revenues in Ohio. Additionally, Kelley has a background in finance, having served as CFO of MGM Detroit.
Kelley shared his excitement about the new role, stating, “I am so thrilled to join the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon team as President. This is an incredible opportunity to lead a dynamic and exciting property that embodies the spirit of entertainment and hospitality.” He added, “I look forward to working with the talented team here to create unforgettable experiences for our future guests and to drive the continued success and growth of this iconic brand.”
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