Rosen Hotels & Resorts named Frank Santos its new chief executive officer after the passing of Founder and President Harris Rosen November 25.
Santos has worked for the company for nearly 40 years as its CFO and vice president, having been personally recruited and hired by Harris Rosen in 1985. Santos worked side-by-side with Rosen to grow the company into the Southeast’s largest independently owned hotel chain.
[Related: Florida Hotel Icon and Philanthropist Harris Rosen Dies at 85]
“It is an honor. I will always be grateful for the privilege to lead this great company that Mr. Rosen poured his heart and soul into building for 50 years,” Santos said in a statement. “I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I promise to continue the amazing work in our industry and in our community which Mr. Rosen started.”
Like Rosen, Santos is also a leading philanthropist in his own right and is committed to continuing to carry on Rosen’s vision and philanthropic efforts. Santos currently serves on the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Board of Directors, as an Emeritus Board member for the Orlando Shakes and the Orlando Family Stage and as a Diman Bengal Foundation Board member. He has previously served on the boards of directors at the Orlando Philharmonic, Canine Companions, The American Cancer Society and Runway to Hope.
Santos and Rosen worked together to form the Tangelo Park and Parramore preschool programs, which provide children from underserved communities free preschool to get a head start on their education. After graduating from high school, students are also awarded college and vocational scholarships covering tuition, books and room and board. To date, hundreds of students have received Rosen scholarships and the preschool programs have been lauded nationally.
Santos also worked with Rosen to create RosenCare, a comprehensive healthcare program providing every company associate with healthcare and wellness benefits, including zero-cost deductibles and 90% coverage of all prescriptions.
Read this next: Profile: Harris Rosen, President & CEO, Rosen Hotels & Resorts
