ARIA executive Ayesha Molino to replace Corey Sanders as MGM Resorts COO
Summary
MGM Resorts International has named Ayesha Molino, current President and COO of ARIA and Vdara, as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 January 2026. She will replace Corey Sanders, who is retiring after over 30 years with the company. Gary Fritz, presently President of MGM Resorts International Interactive, will move into the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital.
Bill Hornbuckle, MGM’s President and CEO, praised Molino’s strategic leadership and operational results at ARIA, noting record EBITDAR, revenue, hotel and casino performance, ADR and Gold+ NPS. Molino joined MGM in 2017 and also serves as the company’s Chief Public Affairs Officer. Fritz is credited with driving MGM’s digital strategy, including international expansion of the BetMGM brand.
Key Points
- Ayesha Molino named MGM Resorts COO, effective 1 Jan 2026, succeeding Corey Sanders (retiring).
- Molino is President and COO of ARIA and Vdara and MGM’s Chief Public Affairs Officer; she joined MGM in 2017.
- Under her leadership ARIA posted record EBITDAR, revenue, ADR and improved Gold+ NPS scores.
- Gary Fritz will become Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital, consolidating digital, gaming, marketing and advertising efforts.
- The changes signal continued focus on operational excellence and accelerating MGM’s omni-channel and iGaming strategies.
Context and relevance
This is a notable executive reshuffle at one of the world’s largest casino and hospitality groups. Appointing an internal operator with proven property-level results to COO suggests MGM wants continuity in guest operations and an emphasis on performance metrics. Simultaneously elevating Fritz to lead commercial and digital functions highlights the company’s push to integrate digital gaming and marketing into its broader growth plan, especially as iGaming expands internationally.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: because this is a big deal for the gaming and hospitality world. New COO = new operational tone across MGM’s portfolio; new digital boss = faster push into iGaming and omni-channel revenue. If you work with or track casino operators, suppliers, regulators or investors, this reshuffle could change partnership priorities and market moves — worth a quick read so you’re not caught off guard.
