Kelsey Barnes
About Kelsey Barnes
Kelsey Barnes serves as the Senior Director of Operations at SNDL Inc., bringing extensive experience from various leadership roles in both military and corporate environments. Previously, she held significant positions at HEXO Corp, MedReleaf, and the Canadian Armed Forces, showcasing her expertise in operations management and process improvement.
Work at SNDL
Kelsey Barnes currently serves as the Senior Director of Operations at SNDL Inc., a position held since 2024. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing operations in Eastern Canada. Her leadership focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Previous Experience at HEXO Corp
Before joining SNDL, Kelsey Barnes worked at HEXO Corp as Vice President and General Manager from 2020 to 2022. During her tenure, she managed various operational aspects of the company, contributing to its growth and strategic direction within the cannabis industry.
Career Background in Canadian Armed Forces
Kelsey Barnes has an extensive background in the Canadian Armed Forces, where she held multiple leadership roles. Her positions included Director of Operations, Human Resources Director, and Army Officer. She served in various capacities from 2000 to 2017, gaining experience in operational planning, risk analysis, and human resources management.
Education and Professional Development
Kelsey Barnes holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management, completed in 2015. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, English, and History from the University of Ottawa. Additionally, she has obtained several certifications in project management, including a Professional Designation as a Certified Agile Project Manager.
Achievements in Operations Management
Throughout her career, Kelsey Barnes has demonstrated a strong ability to implement process improvements and automation, resulting in significant operational efficiencies. She has managed a profit and loss statement of $36 million and has been recognized for achieving best-in-industry cost of goods sold (COGS). Her leadership style emphasizes communication and collaborative mentoring.