- University of Birmingham
2002-2005
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Jossel's entry into the gaming industry from parent company Tamares Group led him to become the CEO of a notable Las Vegas venue, the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Leaving home at 23, he moved to Las Vegas due to a chance meeting with Poju Zabludowicz, Chairman of Tamares Group, who had invested in Downtown Las Vegas and has headed Tamares Group since the '90s.
The macroeconomic challenges of the late 2000s economy presented unique circumstances for Jossel, who was employed by a real estate and casino company. During his time at Tamares, Jossel learned about the operations side of the casino business, earning his gaming licence at the age of 27.
He is the youngest person to ever hold a non-restricted gaming licence.
Jossel sees Plaza as a ‘catalyst for changing the Downtown landscape,’ having a keen interest in the ‘underdog’ aspects of the area and the ‘personal touch’ that can be incorporated into both the staff and customer experience.
EMPLOYMENT
After graduating from the University of Birmingham in 2005, Jossel moved to Las Vegas where he was employed at Tamares. After holding this position for two years, Jossel was promoted to Director of Tamares Las Vegas, where he headed asset management for Tamares’ real estate portfolio in Las Vegas.
During this time, Jossel was able to earn his gaming licence, doing so at 27 when he was tasked with overseeing the Plaza Hotel & Casino's remodel in 2010. From this experience and feeling confident in his leadership ability, Jossel approached Zabludowicz to take on a CEO position.
In 2014, he was officially promoted to CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
The Plaza's redevelopment sits across 17 acres of land and offers 1,000 rooms, over 700 slot machines and table games including Face Up Pai Gow Poker and Three Card Poker. There are also three roulette tables and two craps tables.
Despite suggestions to demolish and start afresh, Jossel opted to preserve the building's history, leading to a total remodel with new amenities and a strategic plan for future development. The casino celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021.
In the time since Jossel became connected with the Plaza Hotel & Casino, the casino has not only been remodeled but has introduced new features, events and activities for guests and the wider Downtown Vegas area.
The casino also opened Nevada’s first outdoor slots and video poker machines, where guests can drink craft cocktails and play games on a vintage carousel. The casino also played host to the Las Vegas Rodeo Days in November 2023, which it also did in 2022.
Beyond the Plaza Hotel & Casino, Jossel involves himself with philanthropy and community projects, holding a role on the board of Super Group.
"Downtown Las Vegas was an area that had been forgotten over the years. In my position, I wasn’t clouded by any previous experience. That’s the one thing which being young gives you the benefit of: you’re not restricted by any limitations" Jonathan Jossel
Interviews and public speeches
As part of the CEO Special of Gaming America magazine in September 2023, Jossel met Gambling Insider Editor Tim Poole to reflect on risks taken at a young age – risks that led him to Las Vegas, redeveloping the Plaza and building a Downtown community.
