MGM Resorts International has appointed ARIA COO Ayesha Molino as its new Chief Operating Officer effective 1 January 2026, replacing the outgoing Corey Sanders.
Gary Fritz, currently President of MGM Resorts International Interactive, will take on the role of Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital.
In a statement issued Thursday, MGM explained that Molino would step into the shoes of Sanders who recently announced his retirement 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 and 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.”
Molino, who joined MGM in 2017, 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, MGM said in its announcement. 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.
Fritz, meanwhile, 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. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Hornbuckle and is a member of the Board of Directors for BetMGM and LeoVegas.
“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,” Hornbuckle said.
“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.”
RelatedPosts
