The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) announced that Mandy Farmer, CEO of Accent Inns Inc., has been appointed chair of the HAC board of directors effective January 8, 2026, and running through HAC’s 2027 Annual General Meeting.
“Mandy is a well-known hotelier and entrepreneur with a reputation for bringing energy, creativity, and collaboration to everything she does. Since joining the HAC Board in 2021, and serving as vice-chair since 2024, she has been a strong voice for members and a champion for the industry. I look forward to working with her in her new role as chair,” said Beth McMahon, president and CEO of HAC.
Farmer has been at the helm of Accent Inns, a B.C. family based company, since 2008, taking over from her father and founder of the company.
“I’m so excited, thrilled, and humbled to step into the role of chair at HAC,” said Farmer. “I’m stoked and fired up to work alongside our members and board colleagues to support the industry’s growth, strong teams, and vibrant communities across Canada. Let’s go!”
Farmer succeeds Tony Cohen, president of Crescent Hotels & Resorts (Canada), who moves into the role of past-chair. HAC thanks him for his steady leadership and commitment during a period of significant change for both HAC and the industry.
As part of this transition, Alnoor Gulamani, CEO of Bayview Group of Companies, steps into the role of vice-chair, bringing continuity, perspective, and a strong understanding of both the industry and the association. HAC also extends thanks to Sara Glenn, founder and managing director of Whetstone Partners, who concludes her term after making history as HAC’s first-ever female chair.
