Casino & hospitality giant MGM Resorts International has unveiled new additions to its C-suite, enhancing its team with a new chief operating officer and a new chief commercial officer and president of MGM Digital. The latter appointment is with immediate effect, while the former will take effect from January 1.
MGM Promotes COO from Within
According to the company’s official announcement, Ayesha Molino has been appointed from within and will join its team as its new chief operating officer. Her appointment is effective January 1, 2026, MGM added.
In her position, Molino will replace the outgoing COO Corey Sanders, who has decided to step down on December 31, 2025, putting an end to more than three decades of service.
MGM described Molino as an experienced individual who has served MGM Resorts since January 2017. Prior to that, she spent five years as counsel and later chief counsel to former Senate Majority and Democratic Leader Harry Reid.
Molino is currently serving as president and chief operating officer of MGM’s ARIA and Vdara properties in Las Vegas and is responsible for all aspects of the operation of the AAA Five Diamond ARIA Resort & Casino and AAA Four Diamond Vdara Hotel & Spa brands. In addition to that, Molino also serves as MGM Resorts’ chief public affairs officer.
To top it all off, Molino is also a non-executive director of MGM China Holding Limited and is on the board of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. She also serves on the executive committees of the Nevada Resort Association and the American Gaming Association’s board of directors.
CEO Hornbuckle Applauded Molino’s Expertise
Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ president and CEO, lauded Molino as an “exceptionally gifted strategic thinker and operator,” saying that managing through complexity is her strong suit. He contributed the ARIA’s recent successes to Molino’s leadership, saying that it has allowed the property to break its EBITDAR and revenue records.
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.
Bill Hornbuckle, president & CEO, MGM Resorts
Fritz Joins as CCO and President of MGM Digital
In the meantime, MGM has added Gary Fritz as its new chief commercial officer and president of MGM Digital with immediate effect. Just like Molino, Fritz is another longtime MGM member who is currently serving as president of MGM Resorts International Interactive. In this role, he serves as a strategic advisor to Hornbuckle.
In addition to that, Fritz is a board of director member for the BetMGM and LeoVegas brands. His earlier experience includes stints with multiple international companies.
Hornbuckle commented on Fritz’s latest appointment, saying that he is perfect for the role.
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.
Bill Hornbuckle, president & CEO, MGM Resorts
Hornbuckle explained that Fritz has played a key role in advancing the BetMGM brand in key markets, such as Brazil.