MGM Rewards Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

MGM Resorts has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, public affairs, regional operations, international development, and digital commerce.

Focused on delivering world-class entertainment and gaming experiences, [[MGM Resorts]] maintains a commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth across its global portfolio of luxury casino resorts and digital platforms.

Leadership Roles at MGM Rewards

  • Chief Executive Officer & President - William Hornbuckle
  • President & Chief Executive Officer (Japan) - Ed Bowers
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jonathan Halkyard
  • President & COO, ARIA and Vdara; Chief Public Affairs Officer - Ayesha Molino
  • President and Chief Operating Officer Midwest Group - Matthew Buckley
  • Assistant To Chief Operating Officer and Office Manager - Ingrid Thomas
  • Chief Commercial Officer & President, Mgm Digital - Gary Fritz
  • President, Northeast Group - Louis Theros
  • President, Casino Marketing - Justin Manacher
  • Chief Technology Officer - Branden Newman
  • William Hornbuckle - Chief Executive Officer & President

    William Hornbuckle, the Chief Executive Officer & President at MGM Resorts, directs the overarching strategic vision for the global portfolio of casino and hotel properties. Overseeing the integration of gaming, entertainment, and hospitality services, the Chief Executive Officer & President ensures alignment across the Las Vegas Strip, regional domestic markets, and international operations. This leadership role involves driving long-term value for shareholders while expanding the digital footprint through BetMGM. By prioritizing guest experience and operational efficiency, William Hornbuckle maintains the competitive edge of the organization within the highly regulated gaming industry. The Chief Executive Officer & President collaborates with the Board to execute capital allocation strategies that support sustainable growth. Ultimately, Hornbuckle secures the market position of the company as a premier destination for leisure, business, and convention travelers worldwide.
    William Hornbuckle

    Ed Bowers - President & Chief Executive Officer (Japan)

    Ed Bowers, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Japan) at MGM Resorts, leads the strategic development and market entry efforts within the Japanese gaming and hospitality sector. Overseeing complex negotiations and regulatory compliance, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Japan) ensures the company aligns with local requirements while pursuing large-scale resort opportunities. This leadership role involves building partnerships with local stakeholders and government entities to establish a strong presence in the region. By directing the planning and design phases of potential integrated resorts, Ed Bowers supports the international expansion strategy of the organization. The President & Chief Executive Officer (Japan) collaborates with the global executive team to ensure that international projects reflect the core mission and quality standards of the brand. Ultimately, Bowers drives the long-term international growth objectives by navigating the unique challenges of the Japanese market.

    Jonathan Halkyard - Chief Financial Officer

    Jonathan Halkyard, the Chief Financial Officer at MGM Resorts, manages the fiscal health and capital structure of the global casino and entertainment enterprise. Overseeing financial planning, reporting, and investor relations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains a robust balance sheet to support ongoing expansion and resort development. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends across the Las Vegas Strip, regional operations, and international segments to optimize revenue streams. By directing capital allocation and cost-management initiatives, Jonathan Halkyard supports the strategic objectives of the organization. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities in both physical assets and digital gaming ventures. Ultimately, Halkyard provides the financial rigor required to sustain long-term profitability and deliver consistent value to stakeholders across the diverse portfolio.

    Ayesha Molino - President & COO, ARIA and Vdara; Chief Public Affairs Officer

    Ayesha Molino, the President & COO, ARIA and Vdara; Chief Public Affairs Officer at MGM Resorts, directs the operational performance of luxury properties while managing the corporate reputation and government relations. Overseeing the guest experience and service standards at ARIA and Vdara, the President & COO, ARIA and Vdara; Chief Public Affairs Officer ensures these flagship assets remain leaders in the competitive Las Vegas market. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and engaging with stakeholders to advance the public policy agenda of the company. By aligning operational excellence with strategic communications, Ayesha Molino strengthens the brand presence of the organization. The President & COO, ARIA and Vdara; Chief Public Affairs Officer collaborates with executive leadership to address industry challenges and promote growth. Ultimately, Molino secures the social license to operate and enhances the overall market impact of the resorts.
    Ayesha Molino

    Matthew Buckley - President and Chief Operating Officer Midwest Group

    Matthew Buckley, the President and Chief Operating Officer Midwest Group at MGM Resorts, oversees the performance and strategic direction of regional casino properties. Directing the daily operations of gaming, hotel, and entertainment amenities, the President and Chief Operating Officer Midwest Group ensures these assets meet the high service standards expected by leisure and business travelers. This leadership role involves optimizing regional market share through targeted marketing and operational improvements. By managing local teams and coordinating with corporate leadership, Matthew Buckley drives revenue growth and efficiency across the Midwest portfolio. The President and Chief Operating Officer Midwest Group focuses on delivering consistent guest experiences that differentiate the brand in competitive regional markets. Ultimately, Buckley strengthens the operational footprint of the company by fostering local engagement and maintaining high standards of service excellence throughout the assigned geographic region.

    Ingrid Thomas - Assistant To Chief Operating Officer and Office Manager

    Ingrid Thomas, the Assistant To Chief Operating Officer and Office Manager at MGM Resorts, coordinates the administrative functions and operational workflows for the executive leadership team. Overseeing the daily management of the office environment, the Assistant To Chief Operating Officer and Office Manager ensures that communication and scheduling processes support the strategic priorities of the organization. This leadership role involves facilitating collaboration between departments and managing the logistical requirements of high-level operations. By streamlining administrative tasks and maintaining organizational standards, Ingrid Thomas enables the executive team to focus on core business objectives. The Assistant To Chief Operating Officer and Office Manager acts as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that information flows efficiently across the enterprise. Ultimately, Thomas contributes to the operational stability and productivity of the corporate headquarters through diligent management and support.

    Gary Fritz - Chief Commercial Officer & President, Mgm Digital

    Gary Fritz, the Chief Commercial Officer & President, Mgm Digital at MGM Resorts, directs the commercial strategy and the growth of digital gaming initiatives. Overseeing the expansion of online sports betting and iGaming platforms, the Chief Commercial Officer & President, Mgm Digital ensures that digital products complement the physical resort experience. This leadership role involves driving revenue through innovative marketing and customer acquisition strategies across the digital landscape. By analyzing consumer behavior and market trends, Gary Fritz optimizes the digital portfolio to capture a broader audience of gaming customers. The Chief Commercial Officer & President, Mgm Digital collaborates with technology and operations teams to integrate digital services into the broader ecosystem of the company. Ultimately, Fritz secures the future of the organization by scaling digital capabilities and enhancing the overall commercial performance of the brand.
    Gary Fritz

    Louis Theros - President, Northeast Group

    Louis Theros, the President, Northeast Group at MGM Resorts, manages the operational performance and strategic growth of casino resorts located in the Northeast region. Overseeing the delivery of gaming, hotel, and entertainment services, the President, Northeast Group ensures that these properties remain competitive and profitable. This leadership role involves implementing operational improvements and marketing strategies tailored to the specific needs of regional customers. By directing local management teams and coordinating with corporate leadership, Louis Theros drives efficiency and revenue growth across the Northeast portfolio. The President, Northeast Group focuses on maintaining high service standards and fostering strong community relationships to support the brand presence in the region. Ultimately, Theros strengthens the regional operations of the company by ensuring that each property delivers a superior guest experience while meeting financial targets.

    Justin Manacher - President, Casino Marketing

    Justin Manacher, the President, Casino Marketing at MGM Resorts, directs the strategic marketing initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining premium gaming customers. Overseeing the development of loyalty programs and promotional campaigns, the President, Casino Marketing ensures that the gaming offerings remain attractive to high-value guests. This leadership role involves analyzing player data and market trends to optimize the effectiveness of marketing spend across all resort properties. By coordinating with property-level teams and digital marketing units, Justin Manacher drives engagement and increases the lifetime value of the customer base. The President, Casino Marketing collaborates with the executive team to align marketing strategies with the broader revenue goals of the organization. Ultimately, Manacher secures the market position of the company by delivering personalized experiences that encourage repeat visitation and loyalty among the most valuable gaming segments.

    Branden Newman - Chief Technology Officer

    Branden Newman, the Chief Technology Officer at MGM Resorts, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the vast network of casino and hotel operations. Overseeing the implementation of advanced gaming systems and guest-facing technology, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless integration between physical resort amenities and digital platforms. This leadership role involves protecting sensitive data while enhancing the user experience for online sports betting and iGaming initiatives. By modernizing legacy systems and deploying scalable cloud solutions, Branden Newman directly impacts the operational efficiency of the entire enterprise. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technological investments with the broader business goals of the organization. Ultimately, Newman drives the digital transformation necessary to maintain a competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving hospitality and gaming landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding MGM Rewards Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads MGM Rewards?
    MGM Rewards is led by William Hornbuckle (Chief Executive Officer & President), along with executives such as Ed Bowers (President & Chief Executive Officer (Japan)) and Jonathan Halkyard (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of MGM Rewards’s executive team?
    The executive team of MGM Rewards includes leaders such as William Hornbuckle (Chief Executive Officer & President), Ed Bowers (President & Chief Executive Officer (Japan)), Jonathan Halkyard (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does MGM Rewards have?
    MGM Rewards has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in MGM Rewards’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of MGM Rewards includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & President, President & Chief Executive Officer (Japan), Chief Financial Officer, President & COO, ARIA and Vdara; Chief Public Affairs Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer Midwest Group.