MGM Resorts names long-term executive Steve Zanella as President and COO of Japan integrated resort MGM Osaka
Summary
MGM Resorts has appointed Steve Zanella — a 30-year veteran of the company — as President and COO of its Japan operations to lead the US$10 billion MGM Osaka integrated resort project on Yumeshima Island.
The move is part of a broader internal restructure announced by CEO Bill Hornbuckle that includes multiple promotions and role expansions across MGM’s portfolio, notably Ayesha Molino replacing outgoing COO Corey Sanders and other leadership shifts in Las Vegas properties.
Zanella will relocate to Japan next year to oversee construction and the opening phase, ensuring the resort meets MGM’s global standards and coordinates with partner ORIX and local stakeholders.
Key Points
- Steve Zanella named President & COO, Japan Operations, to lead MGM Osaka development on Yumeshima Island.
- The MGM Osaka project is a US$10 billion integrated resort currently under construction.
- The appointment is part of a wider MGM organisational restructure with several promotions and expanded roles.
- Zanella has more than three decades at MGM, having held senior roles including President of Operations and President & COO at multiple properties.
- He will relocate to Japan next year to manage construction, opening and stakeholder relations with partner ORIX and local communities.
- Other internal changes include expanded responsibilities for Sean Lanni and Mike Neubecker, and four new GM roles in Las Vegas.
Content Summary
MGM’s CEO Bill Hornbuckle announced the internal moves in a memo to staff. Hornbuckle praised Zanella’s deep company knowledge and leadership track record, saying Zanella is well suited to ensure the Osaka resort lives up to the MGM brand and supports employees, the community and partner ORIX.
The reshuffle also sees Ayesha Molino stepping into the company COO role, Sean Lanni taking on additional properties, and Mike Neubecker adding Mandalay Bay and Luxor to his remit. MGM plans to create four new Las Vegas General Manager positions reporting to the expanded executive leads.
The appointment underscores MGM’s commitment to its Japan IR plan as construction progresses and the company builds its local leadership ahead of opening.
Context and Relevance
This appointment comes at a pivotal time for Japan’s integrated resort rollout — a major new market for global operators. MGM Osaka is one of the highest-profile IR projects in Japan, and naming an experienced, long-tenured executive to lead on-site signals MGM’s desire to control quality, stakeholder engagement and brand standards as it moves from planning into construction and delivery.
For the wider industry, internal senior moves at MGM also affect management capacity in Las Vegas and across MGM’s international operations, potentially influencing operational strategies and talent deployment.
Why should I read this?
Short version — if you follow casino/IR development or MGM’s global strategy, this matters. They’ve put a heavy-hitter on the ground in Osaka for a US$10bn project. It tells you MGM is serious about hands‑on leadership in Japan and is reshuffling to keep its biggest assets covered. Handy if you want the quick take without trawling memos.