Ingrid Jarrett takes over as BCHA president and CEO

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ingrid Jarrett as president and chief executive officer. Ingrid has more than three decades of experience in business leadership, strategic hospitality & tourism development and successful collaboration with partners and stakeholders. She is the first female president/CEO in the organization’s 103-year history.

A highly respected and longstanding member of BC’s tourism and hospitality sector, Jarrett has spent the past three decades building 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 like Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Boutique Hotels & Resorts of BC, 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.

Ingrid has earned multiple awards over the years 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, Ingrid has taught tourism and business courses at Camosun College, the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University; and supports young entrepreneurs by providing assistance with business plans, strategy and marketing. She has established a well-earned reputation for inspirational leadership and tangible development of the hospitality industry in BC.

Jarrett takes the reins from longtime president and CEO James Chase, who retired in December 2019 after 28 years with the association. 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 BC communities, establishing new connections while preserving and strengthening current partnerships.

“On behalf of the entire board of directors, we are delighted to welcome Ingrid as our new president and CEO,” said Bryan Pilbeam, BCHA board chair (left) . “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 is truly the best person for the job, and I have the fullest confidence she will achieve great things in her new role.”

“It is an honour to accept the position of president and CEO, and I could not be more proud to be BCHA’s first female leader in over a century,” said 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 BC’s exceptional hotel industry.”