Greg Cook

Title: General Manager

Organization: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Committee Position: Chair

With over 35 years of hospitality experience, Greg Cook proudly holds the position of General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. As General Manager, Cook is responsible for the success of overseeing 444 guest rooms, including an award-winning spa and five-diamond restaurant Salt, representing over $100 million in revenue.

Cook began his hospitality and Marriott International career in 1985 as a bellman at the Harbor Beach Marriott & Resort in Fort Lauderdale. Since then he has held numerous positions within operations, providing the necessary leadership and skill set to propel as a leader within Marriott International. Key successes include his tenure as General Manager for the Eden Roc, Renaissance where he repositioned the iconic lifestyle property after a $230 million renovation. The resort was awarded significant recognition under Cook's leadership along with many other business accomplishments which included a partnership with Elle Magazine to create the first-ever ELLE Spa at The Eden Roc, which Condé Nast Traveler voted among its "Hot List - Top 35 New Spas" in 2012. In addition, Esquire Magazine voted Eden Roc's 1500 Degrees Steakhouse, featuring Celebrity Chef Paula DaSilva, as one of the "Top 10 Best New Restaurants."

Most recent projects, as Area General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, W Fort Lauderdale, and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, include the success of the $17 Million nautically inspired makeover and repositioning of The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale's newly renovated guestrooms and Club Lounge, along with one of Fort Lauderdale's most sought-after dining destination, Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits.

Cook's involvement in the community is extensive, as he has served as a board member and/or co-chair for the Broward Workshop Top 105 CEO's of Broward County; Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association; City of Fort Lauderdale Chamber "Economic Advisory Council"; City of Fort Lauderdale Business Improvement District; and Broward Tourism Coalition. In keeping with community even closer to home, Cook led The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale to earn the Community Footprints Award of the Year, an award presented by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company focused on social and environmental responsibility.

As a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, Cook and his wife, Pam, who works for Marriott International, enjoy their house on the water just south of Amelia Island. Cook is a proud father to two daughters who are University of North Florida graduates and, like their mother and father, have careers in the hospitality industry. Cook enjoys fishing, hunting, and simply spending time on his dock and in the water with family and friends. He is grateful for island living and for the opportunity to share its treasures with millions of visitors each year.