In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, MGM Resorts International has announced significant changes to its executive lineup, promoting from within to fill key roles. The company, a major player in the casino and hospitality industry, has appointed Ayesha Molino as its new chief operating officer, with her tenure beginning on January 1, 2026. The immediate effect of another crucial appointment sees Gary Fritz stepping into the roles of chief commercial officer and president of MGM Digital.
Ayesha Molino’s promotion comes as Corey Sanders, the current COO, prepares to retire at the end of 2025, marking the end of his remarkable thirty-plus years with MGM. Molino has been a vital part of MGM Resorts since 2017, initially joining from her role as counsel to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Her leadership at MGM’s ARIA and Vdara properties in Las Vegas has been instrumental, overseeing operations at these prestigious venues and contributing significantly to their success.
Molino’s role extends beyond operational management; she is actively involved in driving public affairs for MGM Resorts and holds various strategic positions, including non-executive director of MGM China Holding Limited. Her influence also reaches the broader hospitality sector through her position on the board of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and involvement with the Nevada Resort Association and the American Gaming Association.
Bill Hornbuckle, the president and CEO of MGM Resorts, praised Molino for her strategic capabilities and operational acumen, noting her talent for navigating complex challenges and fostering team cohesion. Under her leadership, ARIA has achieved record-breaking financial results, demonstrating her impact on the company’s bottom line. Hornbuckle expressed his confidence in Molino’s ability to guide MGM through its next phase of growth and success.
As Molino prepares to take on her new responsibilities, Gary Fritz’s immediate appointment as chief commercial officer and president of MGM Digital marks another forward-looking move for MGM. Fritz, who has been with the company for some time, currently serves as president of MGM Resorts International Interactive. His new role will see him integrate MGM’s digital, gaming, marketing, and advertising strategies to enhance the company’s omni-channel presence and leverage growth opportunities in the digital and iGaming sectors.
Fritz’s previous contributions to the development of the BetMGM brand, particularly in emerging markets like Brazil, have been significant. His strategic vision and leadership have been pivotal in positioning MGM as a competitive force in these arenas. Hornbuckle highlighted Fritz’s capacity to bring insightful leadership and instinctive decision-making to his new role, further driving MGM’s ambitions in the digital landscape.
The appointments of Molino and Fritz come at a time when the gambling and hospitality industries are undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advances and shifting consumer preferences. MGM’s decision to promote from within reflects its confidence in existing leadership to drive innovation and maintain its competitive edge.
However, not all market analysts are convinced that internal promotions alone are sufficient for MGM to maintain its growth trajectory. Some argue that fresh perspectives from outside the organization could inject new ideas and challenge existing paradigms. As the industry evolves, the ability to adapt and innovate remains crucial, and while internal continuity is valuable, external insights can offer untapped advantages.
Despite these differing opinions, MGM remains committed to its strategic vision. Its leadership changes are part of a broader effort to align its organizational structure with future goals, particularly in the digital and interactive markets. The company’s focus on growth within these sectors aligns with industry trends, as digital gaming continues to capture a larger share of the market.
MGM’s recent moves underscore its strategy of harnessing internal talent to navigate the complexities of the modern gaming landscape. As Molino and Fritz assume their new roles, their success will be closely watched by industry participants and investors alike. Whether these leadership changes will drive the desired growth and innovation remains to be seen, but MGM’s commitment to leveraging its established leadership to tackle future challenges is a clear statement of its intent to remain a dominant force in the industry. As the company looks to the future, the blend of experience and strategic insight from Molino and Fritz will be pivotal in charting MGM’s course through a rapidly changing market environment.
David Harrison stands tall in gambling journalism, marrying his firsthand casino experiences with a deep understanding of betting psychology. His articles transform complex gambling jargon into engaging tales of strategy and chance, making the world of betting accessible and enjoyable. David’s knack for narrative extends beyond print, making him a sought-after speaker on gambling trends and future bets. In the realm of gambling, David is both a scholar and a storyteller, captivating readers and listeners alike.
