MGM names Steve Zanella as president and COO of Japan operations

MGM Osaka will be Japan’s first integrated resort with a casino.

Japan.- MGM Resorts International has appointed Steve Zanella as president and chief executive of its Japan operations. He will oversee the development and opening of MGM Osaka, Japan’s first integrated resort (IR) with a casino, which is on track for completion in the summer of 2030.

Zanella is currently president of operations for MGM Resorts, overseeing US regional operations and certain global growth initiatives. Additionally, he leads Sports Partnerships, Citywide Event Strategy and the ongoing relationship with Marriott International.

Bill Hornbuckle, MGM president and CEO, said: “With construction underway in Japan, it’s critical we continue building our leadership team, starting at the top. This is a significant career move for Steve and, frankly, I couldn’t think of anyone more perfectly suited for the job. Steve is a trusted and highly respected leader who knows our company and our brand inside and out having been with MGM for more than 30 years, serving the company as president of operations, chief commercial officer, president & COO of CityCenter, and president & COO of MGM Grand Detroit.

“Steve will ensure our new property in Japan meets the elevated standard people expect from an MGM Resorts property, while also ensuring our brand supports the community, our employees, our partner ORIX, and other key stakeholders.”

Zanella is expected to relocate to Japan next year to lead the team through the resort’s construction and opening.

Expected to cost JPY1.27tn (US$ 8.9bn), MGM Osaka will feature a hotel with around 2,500 rooms, 400,000 square feet of conference facilities, 330,000 square feet of exhibition space and a theatre with around 3,500 seats. The casino will feature 470 table games and 6,400 slot machines.

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MGM Osaka will be Japan’s first integrated resort with a casino. Japan.- MGM Resorts International has appointed Steve Zanella as president and chief executive of its Japan operations. He will…