MGM Resorts aligns digital and operations leadership through new appointments

MGM Resorts International has named Gary Fritz Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital, while also confirming that Ayesha Molino will take over as Chief Operating Officer in January 2026, succeeding Corey Sanders upon his retirement at the end of 2025.

Digital and commercial operations

Fritz will assume his new role immediately, overseeing digital operations along with gaming, marketing, and advertising. He is currently President of MGM Resorts International Interactive and serves on the boards of 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,” said Bill Hornbuckle, President and CEO of MGM Resorts. “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.”

Fritz previously held senior roles at Expedia and McKinsey & Company and served as head of gaming for IAC. He earned an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

COO succession plan

Meanwhile, Molino will become COO on January 1, 2026, following Sanders’ retirement on December 31, 2025.

Sanders, who has been COO since 2010, will remain as an adviser to Hornbuckle through the end of 2026 after more than 30 years with the company. Over his career, Sanders has also held positions including Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Executive Vice President of Operations for MGM MIRAGE, and Executive Vice President and CFO for MGM Grand Resorts and MGM Grand.

Molino is currently president and COO of Aria Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa and also serves as MGM Resorts’ Chief Public Affairs Officer. She joined the company in 2017 after working as counsel to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid from 2011 to 2016.

Hornbuckle said: “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. 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 also serves as a non-executive director of MGM China Holding Limited, is on the board of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and sits on the executive committees of the Nevada Resort Association and the American Gaming Association. She holds a BA from the University of California, Riverside, and a JD from The George Washington University Law School.