The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of a new executive chef, James Samson. 

Chef Samson comes to the Florida resort from the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel and brings an extensive resume and award-winning culinary achievements to Marco Island Marriott's food & beverage program.

With more than 16 years of culinary experience, Chef Samson has climbed the hospitality ranks since beginning his career as a restaurant chef at the Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. Holding multiple positions throughout his career including executive sous chef at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and culinary college instructor, Chef Samson was part of major restaurant renovations at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, and subsequently earned the Ace Rising Star award in 2007 for the Renaissance brand.

In his new role, Chef Samson will oversee all daily kitchen operations and menus, ensuring the highest standard of culinary excellence are executed throughout Marco Island Marriott's nine bars and restaurants.

"We wanted to be sure we found the right person to help us continue to take our Food and Beverage program to another level, and we're very fortunate to have found Chef Samson," says Charlie Albanos, director of food and beverage at Marco Island Marriott. "He comes highly recommended from many that have worked with him and will be a major asset to our culinary team."

Marriott's Marco Island luxury hotel in Naples, Florida, is ready to welcome him Oct. 4, when he is set to officially take over as executive chef at the property.

Chef James Samson graduated from the Florida Culinary Institute and is also an avid golfer and a licensed private pilot.