Page 13 - Suncor 360 - Summer 2017

Alister Cowan
EVP & Chief Financial Of cer
I joined Suncor because it’s the best energy company in Canada, with great assets, great people, and huge potential and opportunity. When it comes to the responsible development of great Canadian natural resources, we’re a leader. We’re recognized for that.
In the three years I’ve been here, some of my best moments on the job have been talking to people who are celebrating their long service. I listen to them talk about what it was like when they started, what they’ve done in their lives at Suncor, all the different jobs they’ve had, and some of their highlights. I love doing that.
It’s also our people we should be most proud of. Look at how our employees responded to the forest res last summer. The response was driven by people wanting to do the right thing, knowing how to do the right thing and executing it. To me that was one of the pinnacles of what we’ve done as a company.
Looking forward, we’ve positioned ourselves well; we’ll continue to grow and be a successful company. Our focus on sustainability and the environment will continue to be a competitive edge for us because we don’t just talk about it. We do it.
Hometown: Port William, a village of 300 people in southwest Scotland. Alister became a Canadian citizen in 2004. His wife and children
are Calgarians.
Tims order: Medium black. “When we go to the rink to watch my son play hockey, it’s always a Tim Hortons and a Boston cream. People who know me know I need to have a doughnut.”
Team colours: Although he grew up curling, Alister loves hockey, and cheers for the Calgary Flames. “Is there any other Canadian sport?”
Cultural differences: The biggest difference between Canadians and Scots? “Canadians are way more polite. Scottish people are a bit more blunt...obviously.”
Mike MacSween
EVP, Major Projects
Back in 1996 when I joined Suncor, the perception was that it was an emerging company to work for – an exciting company. Re ecting on the years that have passed, our growth has enabled Suncor to mature with excitement.
It’s amazing to think that in the year we celebrate 50 years in oil sands, Fort Hills is on track to deliver 50 years into the future! I’m incredibly proud of the leadership role our company has taken, not only within the industry but through our bold stance on sustainable development and commitment to progressive community partnerships.
Through all this, the key to our success has been our people. My favorite memories are not the projects I’ve worked on, but the lasting friendships that have formed within the company and communities along the way.
Hometown: Fredericton, N.B. Mike is an eighth-generation Canadian with deep roots on the East Coast.
Tims order: Large with two cream. “The same for the past 20 years!” Dans le but!: Mike’s team is the Montreal Canadiens. “First, second and
third choice.”
Favourite Canadian bands: Theory of a Deadman and Rush
Favourite Canadian delicacy: Chips with the works – a “Prince Edward Island staple that consists of fries, a healthy layer of regular (not lean) ground beef that’s cooked up with drippings turned into gravy, peas
and ketchup.”
Even when their sons go head-to-head on opposing teams in bantam hockey, Mike, left, and Alister, far right, remain friendly...as long as they’ve had their Tims.
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SUMMER 2017
360