MGM Resorts International named Ari Kastrati chief content, hospitality and development officer, effective immediately, the company announced Thursday.
Kastrati joined MGM Resorts in 2010 and most recently served as chief hospitality officer, helping develop the company’s portfolio of dining and nightlife destinations.
Kastrati has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, according to MGM Resorts. Before joining the company, which operates several prominent resorts along the Las Vegas Strip, Kastrati held a leadership role at San Francisco-based restaurant group Mina, according to his LinkedIn.
In his new role, Kastrati will oversee MGM Resorts’ global design and development efforts as well as its sports and entertainment partnerships, according to the company. Kastrati is tasked with driving the company’s hospitality strategy, including the development of food and beverage and nightlife concepts. Kastrati will also lead MGM Resorts’ lifestyle, retail, leasing and arts divisions.
In a statement, CEO Bill Hornbuckle said Kastrati’s “keen sense of what consumers want, and what is cutting edge in global luxury and entertainment” will be essential to MGM Resorts’ future growth. Kastrati will report directly to Hornbuckle and serve on MGM Resorts’ executive committee.
“MGM Resorts is continuing to extend into some of the world's most exciting luxury destinations, and I am thrilled to play a bigger role in our growth,” Kastrati said in a Thursday statement, adding, “I look forward to helping the company redefine the gaming entertainment experience for our guests, in Las Vegas and globally.”
MGM Resorts saw “sequential improvement” in its Las Vegas segment in the third quarter of this year, Hornbuckle shared during an October earnings call. Hornbuckle said he’s optimistic about future growth in the market driven by sports tourism and the company’s loyalty partnership with Marriott Bonvoy.
