Page 12 - Suncor 360 - Summer 2017
P. 12
FEATURE
Mark Little
President, Upstream
I joined Suncor in 2008 because I really loved the fact Suncor was a Canadian company, headquartered in Canada
and focused on developing a Canadian natural resource for the bene t of all Canadians. I also identi ed with Suncor’s values and absolutely wanted to be a part of managing our business in a way that enhances social and economic bene ts to society while minimizing impacts on the environment.
One of my favourite moments in recent Suncor and Canadian history has to be when I had the opportunity
to witness both Canadian national hockey teams capture gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They carried the hopes and dreams of an entire nation, and I am delighted we were able to help showcase this type of Canadian spirit to the rest of the world as a proud supporter of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic teams.
As we celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation and our own 50th anniversary in oil sands operation, I re ect on how far we’ve come as a company and what lies ahead for the next 50 years and beyond. Together, we have the potential to make Suncor a world-class organization for the bene t of all Albertans and Canadians, and will continue to forge our way as a global energy leader and competitor.
True North Strong and Free: From 2003 to 2007, Mark served as honorary colonel for the 409 and 441 Tactical Fighter Squadrons at 4 Wing, a Canadian Forces Base located in Cold Lake, Alta.
Hometown fan: As a born and raised Calgarian, Mark is a die-hard Flames fan.
Favourite Canadian delicacy: While poutine is high on the list of Mark’s top Canadian dishes, he says nothing beats Saskatoon berry pie.
No place like home: Having travelled a signi cant amount, Mark says “you don’t realize how respected and appreciated Canadians are around the world until you travel outside of Canada.”
Janice Odegaard
SVP & General Counsel
When I joined Suncor in 1995, our market capitalization was $2 billion. Looking in the rearview, it’s been an incredible journey to become a Canadian champion with a market capitalization of $70 billion. The things I’ve seen, the maturing of the organization and our growth are just amazing. When I re ect on Suncor’s history, it’s our boldness when it comes to leading corporate social responsibility in Canadian business that stands out. Suncor was thinking about this and
demonstrating commitment to the three pillars of sustainability long before anyone else.
Looking ahead, I think the future is very bright. Oil is going to be part of the energy future globally for many years. The mix may change and there will be technological innovations. Hopefully we’ll see energy lift people out of poverty and give people around the world more of the success and prosperity we enjoy. I think we can really contribute to that.
Hometown: Flin Flon, Man., also the home of at least 17 NHL players including Bobby Clarke, who would shovel the walk for Janice’s family.
Take off, eh: Despite being able to trace her family back seven generations on Canadian soil, Janice is an unusual Canuck. “I don’t drink Tims. I don’t eat doughnuts. I don’t follow hockey. I don’t drink beer,” she says with a laugh.
Favourite Canadian artists: “I grew up in the era when the CRTC introduced Canadian content rules so I grew up with Joni Mitchell, The Guess Who and Leonard Cohen.”
Signature Canadianism: “I’m a sorry sayer. If someone bumps into me in the supermarket, I say ‘sorry!’”
Janice shows her team colours at the Vancouver Olympics gold medal hockey game in 2010.
Mark enjoys the links at Predator Ridge in the Okanagan.
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