Corey Sanders is calling it quits after three decades with MGM Resorts, announcing his retirement from the COO role this week. He currently runs the company’s Las Vegas and regional properties while overseeing key departments including hospitality, HR, and gaming operations.
Sanders didn’t follow a typical executive path – he started in finance and climbed through various leadership roles over the years. Before becoming COO, he served as the company’s CFO and Treasurer, plus held positions like Assistant VP of Corporate Finance and Tax Director at MGM Grand.
His resume also includes stints as EVP and Chief Financial Officer for MGM Grand Resorts, along with EVP for Operations at MGM Mirage.
Why This Departure Matters
Sanders has been present for virtually every major milestone in MGM’s modern history, helping steer acquisitions like Mirage Group and Mandalay Resort Group that shaped the company’s current footprint.
The timing comes as MGM navigates mixed financial results – while Q2 2025 revenue climbed 2% to $4.4 billion, net income plummeted 73.8% year-over-year to just $49 million.
Beyond the big deals, Sanders played a crucial role in regional expansions across Springfield, National Harbor, Empire City and Borgata. More importantly, he helped transform MGM from a collection of separate properties into one unified company with a cohesive culture.
What Happens Next
Sanders won’t disappear overnight – he’ll exit the COO role on New Year’s Eve but remain as an advisor to CEO Bill Hornbuckle through the end of 2026.
MGM plans to announce his replacement next month, though the company hasn’t revealed potential candidates or outlined what they’re looking for in a successor.
The extended transition timeline gives MGM breathing room to find the right person while ensuring Sanders can help with the handover process.
How MGM Views Sanders’ Legacy
Hornbuckle didn’t mince words when discussing Sanders’ impact: “It’s impossible to overstate what Corey has meant to this company over the last 30-plus years.”
The CEO emphasised how Sanders helped create MGM’s unified culture, noting that “Corey helped us put all the different pieces together to create one company and one culture.” He also praised Sanders’ people-focused leadership style, saying he “understood the importance of caring for employees and treating people with respect.”
Sanders’ departure marks the end of an era for MGM, where few executives manage 30-year tenures anymore. The advisory role should help maintain some continuity during what could prove a challenging transition period.
