VANCOUVER —TheBC Hotel Association (BCHA) has named Ingrid Jarrett as president and CEO — the first female president/CEO in the organization’s 103-year history. Jarrett brings more than three decades of experience to the position in business leadership, strategic hospitality and tourism development and successful collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
A highly respected and longstanding member of BC’s tourism and hospitality sector, Jarrett has built impactful partnerships across the province, working directly on behalf of industry with government and partner organizations and excelling at leadership roles in globally recognized companies such as Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Boutique Hotels & Resorts of B.C., Watermark Beach Resort, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Destination British Columbia and Canadian Vacation Ownership Association, where she recently held the position of president and CEO. In 2013/14, she sat as Board Chair and subsequently was appointed executive committee director of BCHA, where she channeled her extensive knowledge into supporting and advocating for the organization’s strategic goals.
She has earned multiple awards for her contributions to tourism and business, including BCHA’s Hotelier of the Year Award (2017) and WXN’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada (2017). Passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, Jarrett has taught tourism and business courses at Camosun College, the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University and supports young entrepreneurs by helping with business plans, strategy and marketing. She’s established a well-earned reputation for inspirational leadership and tangible development of the hospitality industry in B.C.
Jarrett takes the reins from long-time president and CEO James Chase, who retired in December 2019 after 28 years of service. As incoming president and CEO, she will be responsible for successful leadership and management of BCHA according to the strategic direction set by the board of directors. She will also communicate on behalf of the organization with partners, government and B.C. communities, establishing new connections while preserving and strengthening current partnerships.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors, we’re delighted to welcome Ingrid as our new president and CEO,” says Bryan Pilbeam, BCHA board chair. “Ingrid’s longstanding reputation as a champion and leader in the hospitality industry is complemented by her many accomplishments as a member of our board. She’s truly the best person for the job, and I have the fullest confidence she will achieve great things in her new role.”
“It’s an honour to accept the position of president and CEO and I couldn’t be more proud to be BCHA’s first female leader in over a century,” says Jarrett. “I look forward to working with the board of directors and our entire membership, as well as the Alberta Hotel Association and the Hotel Association of Canada, to accelerate the evolution and growth of our industry both nationally and provincially. By collaboratively advocating on behalf of our industry, I have no doubt we can exponentially increase awareness globally of B.C.’s exceptional hotel industry.”
