With a drive to compete with the largest nightlife players in the nation, industry veteran Ryan Klaasen has joined Element Hospitality Group, a fast-growing business that owns, manages and provides consultation for some nightclubs, lounges and restaurants throughout the U.S.

As the company’s vice president of operations, Klaasen works alongside his business partners, Jon Spadafora and Steve Kennedy, to oversee Element’s impressive portfolio: Beer Park Las Vegas by Budweiser at Paris Las Vegas, Temple Nightclub in San Francisco, FIZZ Champagne Bar & Lounge at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop at Paris Las Vegas, ECO-SYSTM co-working space in San Francisco and soon to come Denver Nightclub venue along with a Restaurant/Lounge/Rooftop venue in Denver scheduled to open in mid 2017.

Having worked in top-level positions for some of the nation’s most profitable nightclubs and restaurants throughout the past 17 years, Klaasen oversees the day-to-day business operations for Element, including coordinating plans for celebrity guests, managing the overall operational budget of each venue and offering a network of guidance for club and restaurant management.

Klaasen began his hospitality career as lead manager at China Grill in 2000, which, at the top, was the hottest restaurant and late-night spot in Las Vegas. He was recruited by TAO Nightclub in 2007 as part of the management team, and was promoted to general manager of LAVO Nightclub in 2008. He continued to move up within the company, assuming the role as director of VIP services for TAO Group in 2009, ultimately becoming general manager of Marquee Nightclub, the company’s largest project to date, with its opening in 2010.  His success within Marquee, led to his recruitment by Hyde Bellagio in 2011. Again, he rose through the ranks, quickly being promoted to director of operations for SBE where he developed a large clientele. With his new role at Element Hospitality Group, he looks to take on a pivotal role as the company prepares for exponential growth.  

Klaasen is a graduate of the University of Oregon with bachelor’s degree in business and sociology. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife Nicole and 6-year-old daughter, Ava