MGM Resorts International is strengthening its executive team with the appointments of Ayesha Molino as chief operating officer (COO) and Gary Fritz as chief commercial officer (CCO) and president of MGM Digital.

Molino has been with MGM Resorts for nearly 9 years, and currently serves as president and COO of the company’s ARIA and Vdara venues in Las Vegas, alongside her role as chief public affairs officer.

She joined MGM Resorts from the US Senate, where she served as first Counsel and later Chief Counsel to former Senate Majority and Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). Molino is a non-executive director of MGM China Holding, is on the Board of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and serves on the Executive Committees of the Nevada Resort Association and the American Gaming Association’s Board of Directors.

She will take up the role of COO on 1 January 2026, succeeding Corey Sanders, who is stepping down at the end of the year after 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,” said MGM Resorts president and CEO Bill Hornbuckle. “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.”

MGM Resorts has also confirmed the appointment of Gary Fritz as CCO and president of MGM Digital with immediate effect.

Fritz is currently president of MGM Resorts International International, where he leads all strategic digital gaming initiatives globally, serving as a strategic advisor to Hornbuckle. He is also a member of the board at BetMGM and LeoVegas.

Hornbuckle commented: “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.”

Shares in MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) closed 1.84 per cent higher at $35.94 per share in New York Thursday.