Jonathan Jossel

CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino

Born in South Africa and raised in London, England, Jonathan Jossel moved to Las Vegas in 2007 to oversee the development of Tamares Real Estate’s Las Vegas properties. With diverse real estate holdings in downtown Las Vegas, the crown jewel of Tamares’ portfolio is the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Jossel was part of the team behind the Plaza’s first major renovation project in 2010/2011 that remodeled all 1,000-plus hotel rooms, the 80,000 sq. ft. casino floor and various public spaces, including new dining options led by the award-winning Oscar’s steakhouse inside the property’s iconic glass dome.

Jossel took over as the CEO of the Plaza in 2014, becoming one of the youngest non-restricted gaming licensees in Las Vegas. As CEO, Jossel committed himself to rebuilding the Plaza’s brand that combines contemporary styling, modern gaming, improved guest amenities, and personal customer service for the ultimate, classic Vegas experience.

Since becoming CEO, Jossel has enacted significant changes at the Plaza to reinvigorate the property’s atmosphere and energy with the goal of improving the overall guest experience. This includes the development of niche and unique offerings to set the property apart from the competition. Under Jossel’s leadership, casino operations were revamped to be more competitive and favorable to players. The rooftop pool was reimagined, and 12 dedicated Pickleball courts were added to establish the Plaza as a premier destination for one of the country’s fastest-growing sports. Jossel partnered with a downtown gym to open a one-of-a-kind hotel fitness facility and completed a multimillion-dollar renovation to modernize the convention space, which includes the largest ballroom in the downtown area. He brought rodeo back to downtown Las Vegas with the opening of the Core Arena, downtown’s first and only outdoor equestrian center and multipurpose facility that can also host large-scale sporting events and entertainment attractions. And he most recently managed a $15 million renovation to create more than 120 new Luxe Rooms that offer premium amenities and enhanced accommodations unlike any other downtown hotel.

As a result of Jossel’s leadership, the Plaza continues to experience tremendous growth and great success – often outpacing the increases achieved by the downtown market. He has successfully injected a renewed spirit and energy into a historic property that continues to evolve and improve while maintaining its place as an iconic destination in downtown Las Vegas.

Jossel earned a Business Commerce degree from the University of Birmingham. As a business leader in and resident of downtown Las Vegas, Jossel also takes an active role in supporting the community’s ongoing development and revitalization. He is an active member of the Fremont East Entertainment District board of directors, the Downtown Vegas Alliance and the Nevada Resort Association. He resides in downtown Las Vegas with his wife and three young children.