Jonathan Jossel, chief executive officer at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, recently announced new leadership in casino marketing/operations, food and beverage and brand management.
Twenty-five-year gaming industry veteran John Janicky was named vice president of casino marketing and operations, where he will focus on technology and developing new marketing programs to enhance player experience. He most recently worked at SLS Las Vegas and Aliante Casino, a AAA Four Diamond Resort.
Ryan Rowland was named director of the Plaza’s food and beverage program, where he will elevate the property’s offerings and create unmatched dining experiences in downtown Las Vegas. Most recently, Rowland was director of restaurants for the transition of the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino to Park MGM. Previously he worked in management at Spago Las Vegas, Michael Mina Bellagio, StripSteak at Mandalay Bay and Jean-Georges Prime Steakhouse.
Michael Vakneen returns to the Plaza as a concept developer, food and beverage analyst and special projects director. He co-founded the popular Pop Up Pizza, one of downtown’s first gourmet pizzerias, located on the Plaza casino floor, and also opened nine restaurants and bars in three years for a Las Vegas-based restaurant group.
In addition, Bronson Olimpieria, a 20-year hospitality industry veteran, and owner-operator of TCB Strategic hospitality marketing and branding agency, is working with the Plaza on brand management and new creative initiatives.
Jossel stated, “As part of my effort to grow the Plaza’s offerings and attract new customers, I wanted to recruit leaders with a wealth of experience and knowledge to help us build on the success we’ve achieved so far. The experience that John, Ryan, Michael and Bronson bring to the Plaza is unparalleled. Working with them and our dedicated and talented team at the Plaza, we are charting a new course for the property that will result in continued growth while also diversifying the downtown experience.”
