Mike Bean Takes Helm as President of Hard Rock Casino Tejon

Bean brings over three decades of hospitality and gaming experience to the Mettler-based destination, which sits along the I-5 corridor near Bakersfield. His background includes a stint as CEO of Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment in Arizona, along with various senior leadership positions across the industry. Chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe, Octavio Escobedo III, noted that Bean’s expertise is essential for managing an enterprise that supports both the tribe's future and its current growth trajectory.

Bean replaces Chris Kelley, who oversaw the property’s initial launch and its first year of operation. Jeff Hook, COO of Hard Rock International, pointed to Bean’s track record in the tribal sector as the primary driver for the appointment. As he settles into the new position, Bean’s immediate agenda involves integrating with the existing management team and evaluating the internal culture that established the casino's early market presence. The facility currently spans 150,000 square feet, offering 2,100 slot machines and over 60 table games to visitors traveling between Southern California and the Central Valley.