MGM Resorts International has named Ayesha Molino as its new COO, while also appointing Gary Fritz as the new chief commercial officer (CCO) and president of MGM Digital.
Molino will step into the position from 1 January 2026, with current COO Corey Sanders set to retire at the end of 2025.
Molino initially joined the operator in January 2017 as its senior vice-president (SVP) of government affairs.
After just over four years in the role, she took over as SVP of public affairs in March 2021.
A promotion to president and COO of MGM’s ARIA and Vdara resorts came in December 2023.
Before joining the gambling industry, Molino worked for US Senator Harry Reid as his counsel and policy adviser and chief counsel over five-and-a-half years.
Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts International president and CEO, said of Molina’s promotion: “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.
“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.”
New MGM Digital CCO and president Fritz is current president of MGM Resorts International Interactive, joining in October 2022.
MGM Digital encompasses MGM Resorts International’s global operations via its LeoVegas Group arm, with a presence in more than 10 markets, including the UK, Sweden and Brazil.
Fritz also sits on the BetMGM and LeoVegas board of directors, while also serving as strategic adviser to Hornbuckle.
Hornbuckle added: “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.
“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.”
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Ayesha Molino to replace Corey Sanders as COO when he retires at the end of the year, while Gary Fritz will take on the chief commercial officer brief alongside his existing digital duties
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