Louie Theros appointed as new President and COO of MGM Springfield

Louie Theros appointed as new President and COO of MGM Springfield

MGM Resorts International has announced that Louie Theros will be the new President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM Springfield, effective January 1, 2024. Theros will replace Chris Kelley, who has been leading the casino resort since January 2020.

Theros brings extensive experience in the gaming industry

Theros has been with MGM Resorts since 2002, holding various leadership positions in finance, operations, and development. He most recently served as the Vice President of Corporate Strategy, where he was responsible for overseeing the company’s strategic initiatives, capital allocation, and mergers and acquisitions.

Theros has also played a key role in the development and opening of several MGM Resorts properties, including MGM National Harbor in Maryland, MGM Cotai in Macau, and MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. He was part of the original team that launched MGM Springfield in 2018, and has been involved in its ongoing operations and performance improvement.

Theros said he is excited to return to MGM Springfield and lead the talented team there. He also expressed his gratitude to Kelley for his contributions and mentorship. “I look forward to working with our employees, partners, and the community to continue delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving long-term growth and success for MGM Springfield,” Theros said in a statement.

Louie Theros appointed as new President and COO of MGM Springfield

Kelley leaves behind a legacy of achievements and challenges

Kelley, who will be leaving MGM Resorts to pursue other opportunities, has been credited with leading MGM Springfield through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as enhancing its amenities, entertainment, and community engagement.

Under Kelley’s leadership, MGM Springfield reopened all of its non-gambling amenities that were closed due to the pandemic, such as the hotel, spa, movie theater, and ice rink. He also brought back big-name entertainment to the casino, such as comedians Kevin James and Jim Gaffigan, and singer-songwriter John Legend.

Kelley also faced some difficulties during his tenure, such as the casino’s declining revenues, fines for underage gambling violations, and a $6.8 million settlement for wage and tip violations. He also had to deal with the competition from the nearby Encore Boston Harbor, which opened in 2019 and has been outperforming MGM Springfield in terms of gaming revenue.

Kelley said he is proud of what he and his team have accomplished at MGM Springfield, and wished Theros the best in his new role. “It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the incredible team at MGM Springfield and to be part of this amazing community,” Kelley said in a statement. “I am confident that Louie will build on our momentum and take MGM Springfield to the next level of success.”

MGM Resorts remains committed to MGM Springfield and Massachusetts

MGM Resorts, which operates 30 properties worldwide, said the leadership change at MGM Springfield reflects its commitment to the casino resort and the Massachusetts market. The company said it will continue to invest in MGM Springfield and support its recovery and growth.

“MGM Springfield is a vital part of our portfolio and an important contributor to the economic and social fabric of Springfield and the surrounding region,” said Jorge Perez, President of Regional Operations for MGM Resorts. “We are grateful to Chris for his leadership and dedication, and we are thrilled to welcome Louie back to MGM Springfield. He is a proven leader with a deep knowledge of the property and the market, and we are confident that he will lead MGM Springfield to new heights of success.”

MGM Springfield, which cost $960 million to build, is the first and only casino resort in western Massachusetts. It features a 240-room hotel, a 125,000-square-foot gaming floor, a 10-lane bowling alley, a movie theater, a spa, several restaurants and bars, and a 34,000-square-foot meeting and event space. It also hosts a variety of entertainment and cultural events throughout the year, such as concerts, comedy shows, festivals, and ice skating.

MGM Springfield employs about 1,400 people, and has generated more than $500 million in gaming revenue and $130 million in taxes for the state since its opening. It has also contributed to the revitalization of downtown Springfield, and has partnered with local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions to support the community.

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