MGM Resorts International appointed Ryan Abboushi president of entertainment to lead the company’s entertainment division.
Starting June 16, Abboushi is coming onboard to unify MGM’s entertainment programming and operations strategy in an effort to “expand its position as a world-class leader in live entertainment and immersive experiences,” MGM detailed in a Monday release.
Abboushi will oversee MGM’s venue use, show bookings, talent management and partner relationships, according to the company. Additionally, he will be responsible for building “scalable, branded entertainment and content experiences” across MGM’s portfolio of destinations, including Las Vegas, per the release.
Abboushi joins MGM from talent and sports agency Creative Arts Agency, where he spent 16 years packaging and selling various film, television and entertainment projects, according to MGM.
“Ryan’s leadership and experience will be instrumental in seamlessly integrating art, sports and immersive content at MGM Resorts,” Ari Kastrati, chief content, hospitality and development officer, said in a statement. Kastrati, who was appointed to his role in December, oversees MGM’s sports and entertainment partnerships.
Abboushi’s appointment comes as travelers seek more immersive experiences, including sports-related events — which pose a big opportunity for MGM in Las Vegas, CEO Bill Hornbuckle previously stated.
MGM Resorts reported declined revenues and adjusted EBITDA in Las Vegas in the first quarter of 2025, though Hornbuckle said he remains optimistic about future market growth.
“We deliver an elevated experience to more guests than any of our competitors on the Las Vegas Strip, making us prime beneficiaries of a strong city wide events and convention calendar,” he said during an earnings call.
CFO Jonathan Halkyard, meanwhile, said that MGM saw a very strong response to events in the Las Vegas market, and at its properties specifically, in Q1.
