CORAL GABLES, FL, August 12, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Tomas Erban has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Erban's career is marked by a series of significant roles and achievements, culminating in his tenure at Bacardi USA, where he served as the vice president of human resources and public relations from 1993 until his retirement in 1999. In this capacity, he was instrumental in shaping the company's human resources strategies across North America, including Canada, Bermuda, the United States and Puerto Rico. Mr. Erban played a pivotal role in formalizing the organization's culture and values, which enhanced the hiring process and employee development. His leadership was crucial during a period of expansion when Bacardi began acquiring other brands and transferring employees internationally.

Prior to his role in the United States, Mr. Erban spent 15 years at Bacardi International, which he joined in 1978 as a marketing and sales manager. He worked at the company's headquarters in Bermuda for five years before advancing to the role of vice president of marketing and sales. During this time, he was part of a small team that focused on redesigning company structures and implementing innovative strategies that contributed to significant growth in various regions, including South and Central America, Canada, Spain and the Caribbean. Mr. Erban's efforts in establishing a dedicated sales force and marketing department were key to strengthening Bacardi's brand presence.

Mr. Erban's tenure with Bacardi began in 1976, when he joined Bacardi Venezuela as marketing manager for Venezuela, Colombia and Trinidad. Prior to that, he held the position of marketing and sales manager at American Cyanamid Venezuela from 1973 to 1976, where he worked closely with American management to advance corporate objectives. Additionally, Mr. Erban served as general manager at the International Management Association of Venezuela from 1970 to 1973. Mr. Erban began his career as a product manager at Colgate-Palmolive, a role he held from 1967 to 1970.

Prior to embarking on his professional path, Mr. Erban earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Boston University in 1967, laying the groundwork for his subsequent achievements in marketing and leadership throughout his distinguished career. While pursuing his studies, he also served as president of the university's international students association, which included more than 1,000 members. His leadership skills were apparent at an even younger age, as he was co-editor of his high school newspaper.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Erban has been actively involved in civic organizations. "Retired from Bacardi but not from life," as he puts it, he regarded this new chapter as an opportunity to explore different options with an open mind. He began focusing on the journey rather than the results and, after a lot of soul searching, discovered that he found fulfillment in giving back to the community. He decided to join the boards of different nonprofit organizations, carefully selecting them based on three criteria: passion for the organization's mission, alignment with its culture and leadership team, and confidence he could add value as a volunteer.

Several organizations met these criteria, and Mr. Erban is proud to have contributed to their efforts. Notably, he served as chair of the South Florida YMCA, board member of the National Y in Chicago, and chair of the task force that supervised the Jerusalem International Y, a true laboratory of coexistence comprising 5,000 Jewish and Palestinian members. He was also chair of the Baptist Health Foundation, the biggest hospital system in the region, and of Goodwill of South Florida, whose mission is to hire individuals with disabilities or who face barriers for employment through a social enterprise model.

Mr. Erban partnered with General Frazier to create Mission United, which focuses on helping retired military transition back to civilian life. The two of them co-chaired the organization, later absorbed by the United Way of Miami, for several years to get the project started. He was also a member of the board of directors and executive committee of Chapman Partnership for Homeless. This organization helps the unhoused transition back to society by providing them with a case manager, a bed and three meals a day at one of two facilities with 800 beds total. Residents are welcome to stay at these facilities until they are ready to transition back as productive members of the community. Finally, Mr. Erban served as a board member of the Alzheimer's Association of South Florida.

An additional post-retirement achievement for Mr. Erban was writing and publishing "My Celebration of Life," a labor of love dedicated to his wife, Sandra, and his two daughters, Elizabeth and Rebecca. He wanted them to understand how his values drove most of his actions, what was important to him and why he thought the way he did. He began the project by putting together some thoughts and organizing them into writing. With time, the number of thoughts had increased to the extent that they became a book that reflected Mr. Erban's realities as viewed through his "imperfect lenses." This endeavor is another example of his taking a journey without knowing how it was going to end until he got there. As stated in the book, the following is what drives him: "I love my family, my friends and, last but not least, I love life. I love the memory of where I was, the happiness of where I am and the excitement of where I may be."

Mr. Erban was born in Prague to Czech parents who were Holocaust survivors. In 1948, when he was only 20 months old, his parents immigrated to Venezuela with just $40 in their pocket to escape from communism and begin anew. This experience largely influenced his perspective and approach to life. As such, Mr. Erban cherishes his family and places great importance on building lasting relationships. Looking ahead, he aims to dedicate more time to his family while leaving behind a legacy that reflects his values. Throughout his life journey, he has remained grateful for the opportunities he has encountered and continues to focus on creating meaningful memories with those he holds dear. Mr. Erban is deeply appreciative of the individuals who have influenced his life and contributed to his success.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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