Josef brings an extensive background in the Food & Beverage Industry to his new role. Currently the Vice President of Food & Beverage at Aria Resort & Casino, he is joining from The Venetian& The Palazzo, where he served as Executive Director of Food & Beverage since 2010. In that capacity, he successfully oversaw operations for the property’s numerous dining and beverage venues, and served as the liaison for their collection of joint venture restaurants featuring award-winning chefs such as Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, and Buddy Valastro. During his tenure, Josef was a member of the Human Resources Advisory Committee and the SANDS Cares Committee. Josef previously served as Director of Restaurants on the pre-opening team of Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas in 2009. There, he played an integral role in the successful opening of all food & beverage venues at the resort, including the Forbes Five Star-rated Twist by Pierre Gagnaire. From 2005 to 2009, Josef held management roles at numerous fine dining restaurants at Wynn Las Vegas, including Daniel Boulud Brasserie, The Country Club – A New American Steakhouse, Tableau, and Alex. Prior to coming to Las Vegas, he worked in positions of progressive responsibility at various hotels, restaurants and nightclubs in Chicago, Illinois and Germany. Josef received his Bachelor of Business & Hospitality Management Degree from the Hotel School Passau in Bavaria, Germany and holds a Hotel and F&B Management Diploma from Cornell University in New York. Josef is also a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as a certified Cocktail and Beverage Specialist from the Southern Wine and Spirits (SWS) Beverage Academy.