Javier Rosa, a more than 20-year veteran of the culinary industry, has been named the new executive chef at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Rosa has traveled to more than 20 countries to hone his culinary skills, including excursions to Europe, Asia and the Caribbean to experience an array of global cuisines. Over the years, he has prepared meals for presidents, kings, queens and famous personalities from around the world.

Rosa has spent most of his career with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company with stints in the United States and the Caribbean. While working at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., he had the opportunity to thrill the palates of Presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and opera superstar Luciana Pavarotti. At Grand Cayman Island, he hosted many celebrities including Iron Chef Morimoto, Jean Banchet, Michael Richard and Fabio Trabocchi.

“Throughout my life, I have experienced different countries and culinary styles and it has shaped me into the chef I am today,” said Rosa. “I am thrilled to be at Sandestin, so I can share my passion for food and the fusion of a variety of cuisines to Northwest Florida.”

Most recently, Rosa was the executive chef for Levy Restaurants at Amway Arena in Orlando and executive sous chef at American Airlines Arena in Miami. While working for that organization, he served NBA franchises in both cities, including the year the Miami Heat won the NBA Championship in 2012. He also played an integral role in the 2012 and 2013 U.S. Open Tennis Championships in New York and for the opening of the Barclays Center, home to the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.