The Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas has recently announced strategic changes in its leadership team, aimed at further elevating the guest experience. The notable appointments include Christiaan van Buuren as the new Director of Table Games, the promotion of Ryan Rowland to Vice President of the Food and Beverage Program, and the appointment of Courtney Allen as the Director of Food and Beverage.
Christiaan van Buuren: Bringing Global Expertise to Casino Operations
Christiaan van Buuren, with a rich background in casino and hotel operations, has been appointed as the Director of Table Games. His extensive experience spans Gold Reef Casino Resorts in South Africa, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and leading the casino gaming division of Kangwon Land in Korea. Van Buuren previously played a pivotal role in the SLS opening team and later contributed to the rebranding of the casino at The STRAT. His diverse expertise is expected to enhance the casino operations at the Plaza.
Ryan Rowland: Elevated to Vice President of Food and Beverage Program
Ryan Rowland, who joined the Plaza’s food and beverage team in 2019 as its Director, has been promoted to Vice President of the Food and Beverage Program. With a successful track record, Rowland previously served as the Director of Restaurants during the transition of the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino to Park MGM. His experience includes management positions at renowned establishments such as Spago Las Vegas, Michael Mina Bellagio, StripSteak at Mandalay Bay, and Jean-Georges Prime Steakhouse.
Courtney Allen: Leading Culinary Innovation as Director of Food and Beverage
Courtney Allen, named as the Director of Food and Beverage, has a history with the Plaza that began as the General Manager of its rooftop pool operations in 2018. Having transitioned to the culinary management team, Allen’s journey includes prior roles at Downtown Grand Las Vegas and managerial positions in the San Francisco Bay area. Her expertise will play a crucial role in shaping the Plaza’s culinary offerings.
Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino, expressed confidence in the new appointments, stating, “Having a qualified and dedicated executive team enables the Plaza to provide guests with an unmatched experience in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. I am excited to welcome Christiaan and am confident his diverse background will further enhance our casino operations. And I congratulate Ryan and Courtney on their success in elevating our food & beverage program.”
Sue Ascanio: General Manager Appointment
In the previous year, the Plaza appointed Sue Ascanio as its General Manager, bringing over 30 years of experience as a gaming and hospitality executive. Ascanio, who previously worked as the General Manager at River Rock Casino in Sonoma, California, adds a wealth of industry knowledge to the Plaza’s leadership team.
Nevada Gaming Revenue Surges in November
In a significant industry update, the Nevada Gaming Control Board reported that the state’s casinos generated $1.37 billion in gaming revenue in November, marking a remarkable 12.56% increase from the same month in 2022. This follows October 2023, where the state’s casinos recorded $1.31 billion in revenue.
Breaking down the numbers, Clark County, encompassing the Strip, downtown Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, the Boulder Strip, and surrounding areas, reported $1.2 billion in revenue, indicating a robust 14.43% increase. Additionally, the Carson Valley Area reported a win of $11.1 million, showcasing a notable 9.21% increase.
These positive revenue figures underscore the resilience and recovery of the gaming industry in Nevada, with the Plaza Hotel & Casino actively contributing to this upward trend.
The Plaza Hotel & Casino’s strategic leadership appointments and the surge in Nevada gaming revenue signify a promising trajectory for both the property and the broader gaming landscape. The combination of experienced executives and positive industry trends positions the Plaza as a key player in providing an unparalleled entertainment and hospitality experience in downtown Las Vegas.