As CEO of The Butchart Gardens, Mr. Cowen leads a creative and diverse team of over six hundred staff in the stewardship of a world-renowned horticultural experience. As a National Historic Site of Canada, Butchart receives over one million annual visitors and offers diverse entertainment, shopping and dining options.

Mr. Cowen is actively involved in the tourism and business communities, representing Butchart at local and international levels. Experienced in governance and business development, he serves as the founding Past President of Gardens British Columbia, is past Chair of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and Destination Greater Victoria, and is currently Audit & Finance Chair for the Victoria Airport Authority. He also serves as Industry Co-Chair of the bilateral Pacific NW Economic Region’s Regional Tourism Council. He is a recipient of the Robert Day Memorial Award for outstanding regional leadership in bringing collaboration between cross-border organizations and stakeholders.