HAC names Susie Grynol president

Susie Grynol

OTTAWA — The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has named Susie Grynol as its new president, taking over from Tony Pollard, who retired in September after 25 years in the position, it was announced Oct. 11. Grynol will assume her new role on Oct. 17. 

Grynol joins the HAC from the Retail Council of Canada, where she served as vice-president, federal government relations since 2013. She has over 10 years of experience managing political affairs and public relations and has a proven track record in overseeing complex industry issues and delivering successful outcomes.

“We are delighted that Ms. Grynol will be joining the HAC as president and are fortunate to have someone with Susie’s talents, experience and breadth of knowledge join our industry,” said Philippe Gadbois, chair of the HAC board, in a release. “I look forward to working with Susie to ensure the industry’s needs and goals continue to be reached.”

Grynol got her start in 2000 on the House of Commons floor as a parliamentary page, one of 40 university students chosen from across Canada based on academics, volunteer, extra-curricular and bilingual ability. She transferred her knowledge of parliament into a position as manager of government relations for the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies, rising to the position of vice-president policy and public affairs with that organization in a few short years. She also spent a year as chair of the Canadian Society of Association executives before joining the Retail Council of Canada.