MGM Resorts leadership succession is underway as the company reveals plans for strategic realignment while preparing for the retirement of Corey Sanders, the company’s chief operating officer, set for the end of 2025.
Key takeaways:
- MGM Resorts plans leadership succession with key appointments
- Ayesha Molino to become COO, Gary Fritz to oversee digital initiatives
- Strategic realignment aims to accelerate digital and operational growth
MGM Resorts Leadership Realignment Underway
Effective January 1, 2026, Ayesha Molino will assume the role of COO, while Gary Fritz has been immediately appointed as chief commercial officer and president of MGM Digital.
Corey Sanders, who has been with MGM Resorts for over three decades, will step down from his COO position at the conclusion of 2025 but will continue to serve as an advisor to President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle through 2026 to support leadership continuity.
Ayesha Molino Named Next COO
Molino currently holds the positions of president and COO for MGM’s ARIA and Vdara properties in Las Vegas, in addition to her role as chief public affairs officer. Her tenure has been marked by operational advancements and record-setting performance indicators at ARIA, including peak EBITDAR, revenue figures and Gold+ Net Promoter Scores.
Molino’s professional background includes experience as chief counsel to the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid before joining MGM Resorts in 2017. She also maintains involvement with industry organizations, including MGM China Holdings Limited and the American Gaming Association. MGM’s top management attributes her strategic competence and capacity to lead complex operations and diverse teams as factors contributing to her selection as COO.
Hornbuckle underscored the rationale behind these leadership changes: “Ayesha is an exceptionally gifted strategic thinker and operator who excels at managing through complexity, earning her the respect of her colleagues and peers throughout the company. Her ability to unite teams, drive results, and navigate challenges makes her the perfect leader to succeed Corey as COO.”
Fritz to Drive Digital Growth
Gary Fritz’s appointment as chief commercial officer and president of MGM Digital aligns with the company’s focus on strengthening its digital capabilities and omnichannel engagement. Fritz, previously president of MGM Resorts International Interactive, will oversee digital gaming, marketing, and advertising operations.
His professional history encompasses roles at Expedia, McKinsey & Company and IAC. Fritz has contributed to the expansion of MGM’s BetMGM brand, including market entries into Brazil and other international territories. According to Hornbuckle, Fritz’s leadership is expected to be pivotal in accelerating digital growth initiatives and enhancing the company’s presence in digital gaming and iGaming markets.
“Gary has been instrumental in establishing and advancing our digital strategy through acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and organic expansion of our BetMGM brand. His new role will bring together all of Digital plus Gaming, Marketing, and Advertising as we look to accelerate our omni-channel strategy and unlock significant growth in digital and iGaming,” Hornbuckle added.
What’s Next for MGM Resorts
Beyond its 31 hotel and gaming destinations worldwide, the company is aligning MGM Resorts leadership with its digital and operational strategy and maintains a 50/50 joint venture in BetMGM. The company reported revenues of $17.2 billion and EBITDA of $2.4 billion in the previous fiscal year, reflecting its standing within a competitive and increasingly digitalized industry landscape.
The leadership changes are viewed as part of MGM’s strategy to balance operational efficiency with expanding digital innovation to address evolving market demands.
The appointments of Molino and Fritz highlight the direction of MGM Resorts leadership, underscoring the company’s ongoing organizational adjustments as it positions itself for future growth amid shifts within the gaming and hospitality sectors.
