One of Florida’s largest independently-owned hotel chain corporations has a new leader at the helm. Earlier today, Frank Santos was named the new Chief Executive Officer of Rosen Hotels and Resorts. The Orlando-based company’s announcement comes a week after the death of the company’s founder Harris Rosen.
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“It is an honor,” Santos said in an official news release. “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.”
According to the company’s official statement, Harris Rosen personally recruited and hired Santos to become his trusted Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a job Santos in January of 1986. Santos was promoted vice president. Rosen Hotels and Resorts employs over 1,000 workers and operates seven Orlando-area: Rosen Inn International, Rosen Inn closest to Universal, Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando, Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, Rosen Plaza, Rosen Centre, and the largest of all of the properties, Rosen Shingle Creek. Also under the Rosen umbrella are RosenSure, an insurance agency, Millennium Technology Group, multiple foundations and the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center.
Santos and Rosen collaborated to establish scholarships, including the Tangelo Park and Parramore preschool programs, which provide free preschool education to children from underserved communities. After graduating from high school, students are awarded college and vocational scholarships that cover tuition, room and board, and books. To date, hundreds of students have benefited from Rosen scholarships, and the preschool programs have received national acclaim as transformative initiatives.
Santos also worked diligently with Mr. Rosen to create the award-winning RosenCare, a comprehensive healthcare program that offers all associates exceptional wellness benefits at affordable prices, featuring no deductibles. Additionally, 90% of all prescriptions, including insulin, are available at no cost to the associates. He played a key role in establishing the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, the Adam Michael Rosen Foundation, and he saved the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center from certain destruction on two occasions.
Known for his dedication to community service and philanthropy, Santos received the 2023 Kenneth F. Murrah, Esq. Award as Central Florida’s Outstanding Philanthropist. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and is an Emeritus Board member for both the Orlando Shakes and the Orlando Family Stage, as well as a member of the Diman Bengal Foundation Board. He has also previously served on the boards for the Orlando Philharmonic, Canine Companions, The American Cancer Society, and Runway to Hope.
Santos holds the Certified Hospitality Account Executive (CHAE+) and Certified Hotel Administration (CHA+) designations. Additionally, he is a former president of the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and has received the organization’s Paragon award.
