Phoenix, Arizona (March 2017) –JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa has promoted Ryan Lamkin to Executive Chef for the 950-room property, where he will be responsible for overseeing cuisine for banquets, receptions, meetings and themed restaurants in Arizona’s largest resort. Steve Hart, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa's General Manager and Area Vice President, made the announcement.
“Ryan has played an integral role in the success of the culinary program at Desert Ridge,” said Mr. Hart.
"In the 9 years he's been with the resort, he has consistently exemplified outstanding leadership and management skills in every position he has held. His commitment to quality and innovation, combined with his talent for creating unique guest experiences continues to propel our culinary team to new heights. I am thrilled to see him thrive as he assumes this new position."
Lamkin joined the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in 2007 as lead cook at one of the resort’s then signature restaurants, Tuscany, and was promoted to Sous Chef for all food and beverage outlets on the property two years later. In 2012, Lamkin moved to JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida, as Senior Sous Chef, where he was honored as Leader of the Quarter and he was tasked to become the resort’s resident bee keeper, maintaining the resort’s on-property bee apiary and creating unique experiences and meetings breaks utilizing the observation hives. Lamkin returned to JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa the following year as Executive Banquet Chef, where his responsibilities included creating custom menus for groups, holidays and social events and was promoted to Executive Sous Chef in 2015.
Lamkin is a graduate of the Macomb Culinary Institute in Warren, Michigan and resides in Phoenix with his wife and two young sons.
