The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has appointed John Woolley as General Manager, bringing him back to the Ritz-Carlton brand and the Caribbean after several years in Asia.
Woolley joins the Cayman Islands resort from JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa in Vietnam, where he has served as General Manager since 2023. His career with Marriott International spans more than two decades, with leadership roles across North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
He previously led The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, as General Manager from 2020 to 2022. His appointment in Grand Cayman marks a return to both the brand and a region that has featured prominently throughout his career.
Overseeing Resort Operations and Strategy
In his new role, Woolley will oversee the resort’s operations and strategic direction. The property occupies 144 acres between the North Sound and Seven Mile Beach.
The resort has 369 guestrooms and suites, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Grand Cayman, and several dining venues. Its culinary programme includes Blue by Eric Ripert, which the property identifies as the Caribbean’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant.
The resort also holds Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ratings for the hotel, spa and Blue by Eric Ripert. In addition, it has received One MICHELIN Key.
A Career Spanning Multiple Markets
Before his appointment at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Woolley served as Area Director of Sales & Distribution for Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.
From 2020 to 2022, he led The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, as General Manager. He previously spent more than four years as General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak.
Woolley also held regional leadership roles in the Caribbean and Latin America. As Area Director for the Caribbean and Latin America, he oversaw top-line revenue strategy for a portfolio of 18 hotels and resorts.
Earlier in his career, he served as Director of Sales & Marketing at Aruba Marriott Resort, where he helped relaunch the property following a US$50 million renovation.
His other assignments included Frenchman’s Reef in St. Thomas, the opening of Marriott Port-au-Prince in Haiti, JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City and a portfolio of 23 hotels as Area Director for South Asia.
Cayman Cookout Returns in January 2027
Woolley will also oversee the resort’s signature programming, including The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout, an annual culinary event hosted by chef Eric Ripert.
Approaching its 18th year, the event brings together chefs and culinary personalities for dinners, tastings, demonstrations and other food-focused experiences in Grand Cayman.
The 18th Annual Cayman Cookout is scheduled for January 14–17, 2027.
Woolley’s appointment comes as the resort continues its operations and event programming on Seven Mile Beach.
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