MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL NAMES AYESHA MOLINO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER; GARY FRITZ NAMED CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER AND PRESIDENT OF MGM DIGITAL

Rhea-AI Summary

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) has announced two key executive appointments. Ayesha Molino will become Chief Operating Officer effective January 1, 2026, succeeding retiring COO Corey Sanders. Gary Fritz has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital, effective immediately.

Molino, currently President and COO of ARIA and Vdara, has led these properties to record-breaking performance in EBITDAR, revenue, and customer satisfaction scores. Fritz, previously President of MGM Resorts International Interactive, has been crucial in expanding BetMGM's international presence and digital strategy.

These appointments align with MGM's strategy to accelerate its omni-channel approach and strengthen its digital gaming initiatives while maintaining operational excellence across its 31 global gaming and entertainment destinations.

Positive

• Molino's leadership at ARIA has achieved all-time records in EBITDAR, revenue, and customer satisfaction
• Fritz's successful expansion of BetMGM into new markets including Brazil
• Strategic consolidation of Digital, Gaming, Marketing, and Advertising under unified leadership
• Smooth succession planning with experienced internal candidate replacing retiring COO

Negative

• Potential transition risks as new executives adapt to expanded roles
• Loss of 30+ years of experience with Sanders' retirement

News Market Reaction

-0.39%

1 alert

-0.39% News Effect

On the day this news was published, MGM declined 0.39%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) announced today the appointments of Ayesha Molino as Chief Operating Officer and Gary Fritz as Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital. Fritz will assume his new role immediately, while Molino's appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Molino will replace current COO Corey Sanders who the company previously announced plans to retire Dec. 31, 2025, after more than 30 years of service.

"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. In fact, under Ayesha's leadership, ARIA has posted all-time records in EBITDAR, annual revenue, hotel and casino revenue, ADR and Gold+ NPS scores, to name just a few," said Bill Hornbuckle, President & CEO, MGM Resorts. "Ayesha's ability to unite teams, drive results, and navigate challenges makes her the perfect leader to succeed Corey as COO. I am confident she will continue to help shape our future growth and success."

"Gary has been instrumental in establishing and advancing our digital strategy through acquisitions, strategic partnerships and organic expansion of our BetMGM brand into new international markets like Brazil," said Hornbuckle. "He is a visionary leader with keen insights and instincts, and 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."

Molino is currently President and COO of ARIA and Vdara, responsible for all aspects of operations at two of Las Vegas' most iconic luxury brands – AAA Five Diamond ARIA Resort & Casino and AAA Four Diamond Vdara Hotel & Spa. She is also the company's Chief Public Affairs Officer, leading Government Affairs, Public Relations and Corporate Communication. As President and COO of ARIA and Vdara, Molino leads a team responsible for property operations, marketing, social media, HR, guest experience, sales, hotel, food and beverage and facilities.

Molino joined MGM Resorts in January 2017 from the U.S. Senate, where from 2011 – 2016 she served as first Counsel and later Chief Counsel to former Senate Majority and Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). Molino is a non-Executive Director of MGM China Holding Limited, is on the Board of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and serves on the Executive Committees of the Nevada Resort Association and the American Gaming Association's Board of Directors.

Molino received her BA from the University of California, Riverside, and her JD from The George Washington University Law School.

Fritz is currently President of MGM Resorts International Interactive and is accountable for evaluating and leading all strategic digital gaming initiatives globally to capitalize on the intersection of the digital and gaming spheres. In this role, Fritz serves as a strategic advisor to MGM Resorts' President and Chief Executive Officer. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for BetMGM and LeoVegas.

Fritz has a long history of leading multi-national companies on global strategy and expansion plans including Expedia and McKinsey & Company. Prior to joining MGM Resorts, he was Head of Gaming for IAC.

Fritz holds an M.B.A. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Sanders is currently MGM Resorts' Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company's Las Vegas and regional properties as well as multiple corporate departments, including Hospitality, Gaming, Human Resources, and Strategic Initiatives. Prior to that, Sanders served as the company's Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. In his tenure with MGM Resorts, Sanders has also served as Chief Operating Officer for the company's Core Brands, Executive Vice President of Operations for MGM MIRAGE, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for MGM Grand Resorts, Executive Vice President and CFO for MGM Grand, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Finance and Tax Director for MGM Grand.

ABOUT MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global gaming and entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 31 unique hotel and gaming destinations globally, including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. The Company's 50/50 venture, BetMGM, LLC, offers sports betting and online gaming in North America through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and partypoker, and the Company's subsidiary, LV Lion Holding Limited, offers sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands in several jurisdictions throughout Europe and Brazil. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in Asia through an integrated resort development in Japan. Through its Focused on What Matters philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in the lives of its employees, guests and in the communities where it operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies®. For more information, please visit us at www.mgmresorts.com. Please also connect with us @MGMResortsIntl on X as well as Facebook and Instagram.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and involve risks and/or uncertainties, including those described in the MGM's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "could," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "likely," "intends," "plans," "pro forma," "projects," "estimates" or "anticipates" or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. MGM has based forward-looking statements on management's current expectations and assumptions and not on historical facts. Examples of these statements include, but are not limited to, MGM's expectations regarding MGM's future growth. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include risks related to the effects of economic conditions and market conditions in the markets in which MGM operates; the significant competition within the gaming and entertainment industry; MGM's ability to execute on its business plan; changes in applicable laws or regulations; other contingencies in connection with growth in new or existing jurisdictions and additional risks and uncertainties described in MGM's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports (including all amendments to those reports). In providing forward-looking statements, MGM is not undertaking any duty or obligation to update these statements publicly as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. If MGM updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those other forward-looking statements.

MGM RESORTS CONTACT:
News Media
media@mgmresorts.com

 

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SOURCE MGM Resorts International

FAQ

Who is Ayesha Molino and when will she become MGM's new COO?

Ayesha Molino, currently President and COO of ARIA and Vdara, will become MGM Resorts' Chief Operating Officer on January 1, 2026. She has led ARIA to record-breaking performance in EBITDAR and revenue.

What is Gary Fritz's new role at MGM Resorts (NYSE: MGM)?

Gary Fritz has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital, overseeing Digital, Gaming, Marketing, and Advertising operations to advance the company's omni-channel strategy.

Why is Corey Sanders leaving MGM Resorts?

Corey Sanders is retiring on December 31, 2025, after more than 30 years of service with MGM Resorts, where he served in various executive roles including COO and CFO.

What are Ayesha Molino's qualifications and experience?

Molino joined MGM in 2017 after serving as Chief Counsel to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. She holds a JD from George Washington University Law School and has led ARIA to record performance in EBITDAR and revenue.

How many properties does MGM Resorts currently operate?

MGM Resorts operates 31 unique hotel and gaming destinations globally, including its Las Vegas-inspired brands and international locations.