Wendy Wilson

For Wendy Wilson, a career in hospitality wasn’t just a choice – it was a calling.

“From the time I was a teenager bussing tables at a family-run inn, I was captivated by the energy, complexity, and heart of this industry,” says Wendy. “There’s nothing quite like hospitality – it’s fast-paced, people-driven, and constantly evolving. It teaches you grit, grace, and how to lead through service.”

As Chief Operating Officer at The Hotel, Wendy brings two decades of experience leading high-performing teams across luxury, boutique, and lifestyle properties. But beyond the operations and numbers, what drives her is something bigger: creating meaningful pathways for the next generation of hospitality leaders. “I believe in elevating opportunity”, she explains. “Hospitality is one of the last truly meritocratic sectors – where talent, curiosity, and a great work ethic can take you from the front desk to the C-suite. That’s the story I lived, and it’s the story I want to help others write.”

Wendy knows first-hand the impact of being seen and supported. Early in her career studies, she was awarded a Canadian Hospitality Foundation scholarship – a moment she says changed everything. “That scholarship was a turning point. It didn’t just lighten the financial load – it told me I belonged here. That someone believed in my potential,” she says. “It gave me the confidence to pursue leadership, to think bigger.”