Ken Cretney

Ken’s award-winning experience in the hospitality and tourism industry spans almost 40 years. He joined the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) as General Manager in 2008, before being named Chief Operating Officer of B.C. Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) in 2013. Ken was appointed President and CEO of PavCo in February 2014.

Prior to joining the VCC, Ken was General Manager of Vancouver's Marriott Pinnacle Hotel. Under his guidance, the hotel realized a significant improvement in market share and profitability, was voted one of the Best Companies to Work For in BC for three consecutive years, and garnered numerous sales, marketing and service excellence awards.

Before arriving in Vancouver, Ken managed the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, Alberta for several years during which time the hotel became one of North America’s top properties. He later joined the Delta Whistler Resort as General Manager, overseeing its conversion to the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa.

Ken is an active member and past-Chair of the Vancouver Hotel General Managers, Association (now Hotel Association of Vancouver). He is currently Board Chair of the Vancouver Community College Foundation where he also sits on the Professional Advisor Committee for Hospitality. Recognized as an avid supporter of education in the hospitality industry, Ken has for over 20 years been an active member of the industry education advisory committee for Selkirk College.

Ken is the immediate past Chair of Tourism Vancouver and has sat on the Board for over 10 years. As well, Ken takes an active leadership role in PavCo’s strategic partnership with Vancouver Sports Hosting, delivering high-profile, world-class international sporting events to British Columbians, including the Women’s World Cup, World Rugby Sevens, and the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship.