BetMGM has hired Casey Hurbis as its new Chief Marketing Officer, while its parent company, MGM Resorts International, has promoted Ari Kastrati to the position of Chief Content, Hospitality and Development Officer.
Reporting to BetMGM’s Chief Revenue Officer, Matt Prevost, Hurbis brings 30 years of consumer marketing experience to the operator, including knowledge in consumer engagement, digital advertising, partnership development and experiential marketing.
“Sports betting is one of the most competitive and rapidly evolving industries in the marketing world, and I’m honoured to join BetMGM at such an exciting time in its growth,” commented Hurbis.
“BetMGM is a brand with incredible momentum, backed by a team that is redefining how we engage and entertain audiences. I look forward to pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation to not only attract new audiences but enhance the experience for our loyal players to even greater heights.”
Before joining BetMGM, Hurbis was Chief Marketing Officer at retail mortgage lender Rocket Mortgage. He has also spent 24 years in automotive marketing with roles in advertising and communications for FIAT and Alfa Romeo.
At Rocket Mortgage, Hurbis helped the company achieve consecutive number one rankings on USA Today’s Ad Meter for Super Bowl commercials, in addition to launching the Rocket Mortgage Classic, the most-awarded event on the PGA Tour.
He has also previously collaborated with BetMGM’s creative agency of record, Highdive, on three top-ranked Super Bowl campaigns while at Rocket Mortgage.
Prevost added: “Building BetMGM from the ground up into one of the most recognizable brands in the sports betting and igaming sphere has been an incredible accomplishment made possible by the tireless efforts of our amazing team. Bringing a visionary leader like Casey Hurbis on board adds another impactful advantage for our brand.”
As previously mentioned, MGM Resorts has promoted Ari Kastrati to the position of Chief Content, Hospitality and Development Officer. He was previously Chief Hospitality Officer.
Reporting to MGM Resorts’ CEO & President, Bill Hornbuckle, Kastrati will be in charge of the company’s global design and development efforts and sports and entertainment partnerships.
In addition, he will continue to lead MGM Resorts’ hospitality strategy, including the development of food and beverage and nightlife concepts, as well as lifestyle, retail, leasing, and arts divisions. He will also serve on the company’s 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,” stated Kastrati.
“It’s an honour to not just grow within the company but serve in an expanded leadership role, and I look forward to helping the company redefine the gaming entertainment experience for our guests, in Las Vegas and globally.”
Kastrati has been with MGM Resorts since 2010, but has previously worked with several premium hospitality companies and has over 25 years of industry experience.
Hornbuckle added: “Ari has long played an integral role in making MGM Resorts the world’s premier gaming entertainment company. He has a keen sense of what consumers want, and what is cutting-edge in global luxury and entertainment.
“His expertise will be essential as our company continues to develop marquee experiences in Las Vegas and beyond and create unparalleled resorts with world-class design in some of the world’s pre-eminent gaming markets.”
