Summary: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has named Cole Millen as General Manager. Millen is a Canadian hospitality executive with a background across Fairmont properties, an MBA from Royal Roads University, and experience leading major renovations and service elevation programmes.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has announced the appointment of Cole Millen as its new General Manager. The move returns a seasoned Fairmont leader to a high-profile role in British Columbia, where Millen’s history in the region and experience with heritage hotels are expected to shape operations at the landmark property.

Regional roots and professional training

Born in Edmonton and raised in British Columbia, Millen began his hospitality career after enrolling in the Hotel and Restaurant Administration programme at Camosun College in Victoria. An early internship at the Coast Harbourside Hotel and Marina confirmed his commitment to hotel operations and guest service, a path he later complemented with an MBA in Executive Management from Royal Roads University.

Proven Fairmont leadership across Canada

Millen has held several senior posts within Fairmont Hotels & Resorts across Canada. Most recently, as General Manager of Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, he led a service elevation programme that helped the property secure its first MICHELIN One Key recognition and its inaugural Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award. His previous tenure as Director of Operations at the Fairmont Empress included a role in planning and delivering a three-year, $60 million renovation.

  • Education: Hotel and Restaurant Administration, Camosun College; MBA in Executive Management, Royal Roads University
  • Previous roles: General Manager, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald; Director of Operations, Fairmont Empress
  • Notable projects: Led service elevation at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald; contributed to a $60 million renovation at Fairmont Empress
Lobby and heritage interior of Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, showcasing historic architecture and guest service areas
Interior and heritage features at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the property Millen will lead

A leadership style focused on people and heritage

Millen has described mentorship and talent development as core priorities, emphasising career progression for team members within Fairmont and the broader hospitality sector. He has also expressed a strong appreciation for the heritage and architectural legacy of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, signalling an interest in preserving the property’s historic character while enhancing guest experience.

"I am honoured to take on the role of General Manager at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver", said Millen.

What Millen's appointment means for the hotel

Industry observers say Millen’s track record with service upgrades and large-scale renovation projects positions him to balance preservation with modern guest expectations. Under his leadership, the hotel is likely to continue initiatives that enhance guest satisfaction, staff development and operational excellence at one of Vancouver’s most recognisable hotels.

Millen’s appointment also underscores Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ emphasis on internal leadership development, promoting executives with deep institutional knowledge and regional experience to steward signature properties across Canada.

Beyond the hotel: personal interests and community ties

Outside his professional life, Millen enjoys cooking, cycling, camping and golfing. Those personal interests, combined with his BC upbringing and experience in Western Canadian properties, contribute to his connection with local teams and communities.

Why this matters: For travellers and industry partners, leadership changes at flagship hotels can signal upcoming shifts in service standards, product offerings and community engagement. A General Manager with a focus on mentorship and heritage stewardship may bring improvements to both guest experience and staff retention at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

So what? Cole Millen’s track record suggests the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver will prioritise both preserving its historic character and elevating service. Travellers can expect continued investment in guest experience, while the local hospitality workforce may gain from enhanced training and development opportunities.