Larry Rosen (executive)

Larry Rosen was born in Toronto, eldest son of Harry Rosen, founder of Harry Rosen Inc., and Evelyn Rosen. As a teenager, Larry Rosen worked in his father's stores as a sales associate.[1] He completed a BA in economics from the University of Toronto,[2] and continued his studies at the University of Western Ontario, earning a joint MBA and LLB in 1982.[3] Rosen briefly practised corporate law before joining the family company in 1985.[4]

Larry Rosen joined Harry Rosen Inc. as a buyer in 1985. He occupied several management roles in operations and buying before his appointment as president and COO in 1997.[3] Rosen was named CEO in 2000.[1]

He spearheaded expansion plans for the chain, totaling 18 stores in eight major Canadian markets [5] and has led the family-owned company to considerable success, including increased sales of over $300 million per year.[6] The company celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2019. [7]

Harry Rosen Inc. was named one of Canada's Top 50 Best Managed Companies in 2007 [8] and has maintained Platinum status since.

Larry Rosen was awarded 2014's Distinguished Retailer of the Year by the Retail Council of Canada, a committee of peers in the Canadian retail industry.[9] Also in 2014, the company was named one of the 10 Most Influential Stores in Menswear by MR Magazine, a trade publication.[10]

In December 2019, Larry Rosen was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada for his accomplishments in business and philanthropy.[11]

In 2014, Harry Rosen, Inc. sponsored the first Golf to Conquer Cancer event in support of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The single-day event raised over $800,000.[12] As a board member for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Rosen also started the annual Harry's Spring Run Off event in 2005 as a fundraiser for cancer research. The event runs each year and has raised over $3 million to date.[13]