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MGM Resorts appoints Ayesha Molino as next COO

Steve Tyler Free Content

MGM Resorts appoints Ayesha Molino as next COO

Summary

MGM Resorts has named Ayesha Molino as its next Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 January 2026. She will succeed Corey Sanders, who is retiring at the end of 2025 after more than 30 years with the company.

Molino joins the COO role after serving as President and COO of ARIA and Vdara, where she oversaw day-to-day operations at two flagship luxury properties in Las Vegas. She is also MGM’s Chief Public Affairs Officer, leading government affairs, public relations and corporate communications.

Molino became part of MGM Resorts in January 2017. Prior to joining the company she worked in the US Senate as first Counsel and Chief Counsel to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle praised her strategic thinking and operational skill.

The company also announced that Gary Fritz, currently President of MGM Resorts International Interactive, has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital and will assume that role immediately.

Key Points

  1. Ayesha Molino appointed COO of MGM Resorts, effective 1 January 2026.
  2. She replaces Corey Sanders, who will retire at the end of 2025 after 30+ years with MGM.
  3. Molino previously served as President and COO of ARIA and Vdara and is MGM’s Chief Public Affairs Officer.
  4. She joined MGM Resorts in January 2017 and previously worked as Chief Counsel to Senator Harry Reid.
  5. Gary Fritz is appointed Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital with immediate effect.

Why should I read this?

Quick and useful: big-name operator, big-name hire. If you follow casino groups, leadership moves like this reshape strategy, operations and regional focus — especially for markets tied to MGM (think Las Vegas and Macau). Read it to stay ahead of who’s running the show and what that might mean for deals, expansion and partnerships.

Context and relevance

This is a notable leadership change at one of the largest global hospitality and gaming companies. A COO transition matters for investors, competitors and regional operators — it can signal continuity or a shift in operational priorities. Molino’s dual background in operations and public affairs suggests MGM values integrated leadership across guest operations and external relations as it navigates growth and regulatory landscapes.

Source

Source: https://agbrief.com/news/usa/19/09/2025/mgm-resorts-appoints-ayesha-molino-as-next-coo/