MGM Resorts International has named Jonathan Halkyard as chief financial officer, succeeding Corey Sanders in the role following a promotion to COO of the gaming, hospitality and entertainment firm.
In the position, Halkyard will be a member of the senior management team and have responsibility for all financial activities across MGM Resorts’ domestic and international portfolio, as well as investor relations, accounting, treasury, procurement and tax.
“On behalf of the MGM board of directors, I am delighted to welcome Jonathan to MGM Resorts,” said Paul Salem, chairman of the board. “We look forward to working with Jonathan to drive continued focus on disciplined execution of our strategic business plan, our long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and future growth and development.”
Halkyard, who will report to Bill Hornbuckle, MGM’s president and CEO, is a senior corporate executive who spent 13 years in leadership roles at Caesars Entertainment and was more recently the president and CEO of Extended Stay America and ESH Hospitality, its paired-share real estate investment trust.
“Jonathan brings the right mix of financial discipline, investor acumen, operating experience and seasoned corporate leadership to MGM Resorts at a vital time in our evolution,” noted Hornbuckle.
“His passion for hospitality, considerable experience in gaming, previous stewardship of strong balance sheets and investor credibility make him an excellent choice to complement our strong and committed leadership team.”
Furthermore, Halkyard is a director of Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, a director of Shift4 Payments, and a trustee of the International Center for Responsible Gaming.
“After a career largely spent in hospitality and gaming, I am excited and proud to become part of the senior leadership team at one of the world’s most iconic gaming, hospitality and entertainment destination brands,” added Halkyard.
“We face the greatest challenges to corporate management in recent history and I am eager to get to work and continue the fine legacy of executive management at MGM Resorts.”
