MGM Springfield Appoints Chris Kelley as New President and COO

The management of MGM Springfield grand hotel and casino complex has appointed new president and chief operating officer. Former president of Ohio’s MGM Northfield Park, Chris Kelley has taken office of the Massachusetts property on Tuesday, January 21st after gaming revenue failed to meet expectations in the past two years.

At the same time, Michael Mathis is stepping down from the position and is taking on a new role as senior vice president of business development. According to the latest report by Massachusetts Gaming Commission, MGM Springfield has reached a substandard gross gaming revenue in December, cashing in just about $18.9 million. In comparison to 2018, the property’s income had declined for a whopping $2.7 million.

Tough Competition

The initial plans for MGM Springfield included a $960 million investment that should have stirred economic growth, drawn new visitors and brought more jobs. Unfortunately, the 250-room property appeared to be struggling after a year of operations. Instead of reaching the projected $400 million since August 2018 when it opened, the casino made just under $265 million and employed around 2,300 workers. The reason behind these numbers could have everything to do with the harsh competition that sits about 100 miles in all directions.

The toughest challenge is to beat Encore Boston Harbor, a $2.6 billion, 671-room entertainment complex, opened in the summer of 2019. In addition, there are also tribal casinos in Connecticut, Mashantucket Pequot, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, each one offering great amenitites like live performances, luxury rooms, deluxe accomodations and a wide variety of entertainment attractions plus shopping.

Chris Kelley has been given a task to repeat his previous success while working as vice president and chief financial officer of the MGM Detroit. Kelley moved to MGM Northfield Park in April 2019 to supervise Hard Rock’s transition to a property of MGM Resorts International.

The newly appointed president and COO of MGM Springfield is thrilled to be given a chance to return to Massachusetts out of personal reasons and added that the property has much to offer its guests, while making an extraordinary impact on the city.

Jorge Perez, regional portfolio president of MGM commented in a press release:

“We are excited to have Chris lead the MGM Springfield team. Chris’ experience in Ohio, rebranding and integrating a property and introducing MGM to the community, will be an asset for Springfield.”

A Green Shade Over Springfield

At the end of December 2019, the entertainment complex in Springfield installed more than 3,000 solar s as part of the green initiative that should be able to power nearly 10% of the 2 million square-foot resort.

Moreover, the s are expected to reduce the resort’s annual carbon footprint by approximately 410 metric tons. Equally important, MGM Springfield recently accommodated around 10,000 visitors as Boston Red Sox decided to spend a Winter Weekend on January 17-18 at the property.

MGM Resorts signed a partnership with Boston baseball team back in March 2019.

Source:

“MGM Springfield names new leadership as gaming revenue falls”, Bailey Schulz, reviewjournal.com, January 21, 2020.