William N. Ross: president, Estoril, Inc

Latin Trade, Feb, 2004

ACHIEVEMENTS: William N. Ross began work with Group Espirito Santo as Vice President and Managing Director of its real estate subsidiary, Euroatlantic, Inc., in 1991. Despite the US economic recession and real estate industry downturn prevalent at that time, he was successful in helping the Group, a renowned Portuguese banking dynasty, realize a profit on both commercial and residential projects.

BACKGROUND: Prior to his appointments at Euroatlantic, Ross started his career with Arvida and served as a senior executive with Five Star Homes, a subsidiary of General Development Corp. While his Masters in Business Administration degree from Harvard has been helpful throughout his career, Ross has likely inherited his instinct for business and real estate from his family--builders in New York for several generations.

FOCUS: Estoril, Inc, a subsidiary of EuroAtlantic, will complete Espirito Santo Plaza, a globally recognized icon comprising a 36-story glass tower of luxury offices, condominium residences and a Conrad Hotel, within the first quarter of 2004. The sculptural $200 million project designed by the legendary firm Kohn Pederson Fox Architects is expected to re-define Miami's skyline.

FUTURE: Ross plans to manage more projects of a similar scope to Espirito Santo Plaza in Miami. "The city is a dynamic market still in its adolescence," said Ross. "As Latin American economies grow stronger, there is likely to be incredible demand funneled through Miami as the gateway to the Americas."

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Ross intends to exceed the high expectations of his sophisticated clientele, including office tenants, residents and guests of Espirito Santo Plaza and the Conrad Hotel.

PHILANTHROPY: Estoril sponsors Miami's New World School of the Arts and scholarships for its students through benefit performances and the commission of artwork for the residences within Espirito Santo Plaza. The sponsorship is an integral part of Espirito Santo Plaza's commitment to the synergies between excellence in lifestyle and service.