Barry Sheen

Barry Sheen’s career in hospitality began in his teenage years, when he worked at the Tartan Restaurant in Summerside. He first entered the field of hotel management at age 20, running both the Bay Vista Motor Inn and Clinton Heights. After graduating from the Holland College Hospitality program in 1973, he relocated to Miami where he taught hospitality at the Lindsey Hopkins Technical Education Center.

Upon his return to Canada, he held several GM positions and went on to become Regional Director of Operations, Marketing, for the Wandlyn Hotel chain, before becoming Senior Vice-President for Journey’s End Canada. The first corporate Canadian employee of Westmont Hospitality, he spent fifteen years as their Senior Vice-President Operations, responsible for over 100 hotels. Recently, Sheen was named Vice-President of Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec and Westmont, which previously operated a real estate joint venture under the name of Westbridge Hospitality Fund, an active investor in international hotel real estate. He held this position until his retirement in 2012.

Barry is a key supporter of Holland College and the Holland College Foundation.  He was a dedicated member of the Campaign Cabinet for the College’s recent Learning. For Life. Capital Campaign, which was deemed an overwhelming success. He has also lent his support to the College Advancement team over the past four years as they worked to promote alumni engagement with events in Calgary and Toronto.

Barry Sheen’s career and generosity are an inspiration to current and future Holland College students. His steady rise to the top of his field speaks volumes about the value of a Holland College diploma coupled with hard work. His staff members consistently say that he is both effective and enjoyable to work with, proving that you can get to the top without stepping on anyone below you.

An avid cyclist, skier, and sailor, Barry resides in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 

Barry received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012.