Page 14 - Suncor 360 - Summer 2017

FEATURE
Steve Reynish
EVP, Strategy & Corporate Development
I joined Suncor in 2012 as
part of the new ELT, though I’ve been in oil sands since 2002 when I relocated from the U.K. to Fort McMurray. Three winters later following the birth of our ‘little Canadian’ Tom, we moved to Calgary.
I was keen to join Suncor as it was clearly very well placed to outperform the industry at $100/ BBL oil. A lot has happened over the last few years and what I hadn’t realized was how well the
company would outperform at $50/bbl oil.
Through it all, what I’m most proud of is the great stories about our people, and the friendships we have made. This is what I will remember and re ect on for years to come.
The next 50 years will present its own challenges and opportunities for the company. I am yet again reminded of the old Darwin adage that it is not the smartest or the strongest that survive, but the most adaptable to change. Suncor has proved to be very agile and long may it continue.
Hometown: Swansea, Wales
A proud Canadian: “As a family, we became Canadian citizens in August 2009, and I see it as one of the greatest gifts we’ve been able to give our kids.”
World traveller: “Before settling in Canada, we lived in Europe, Asia and Africa and I’ve had the privilege of visiting over 60 countries. I can say with con dence Canada is one of the best countries to live in and bring up a family.”
The funniest member of ELT?: “How do you get 300 Canadians out of a swimming pool on a hot sunny summer afternoon?” asks Steve. “Politely whisper ‘can everyone please get out of the pool?’”
Eric Axford
EVP, Business Services
I joined Suncor after working in government in oil sands policy (long before it was fashionable) and then the energy minister’s of ce in the rst years of the Ralph Klein government. When I joined Suncor in 1996, there were really just two practical employment options in the oil sands – Suncor and Syncrude. I was attracted to the quality of leadership here and also the simplicity of our 100 per cent ownership model. I’ve never looked back.
I’ve been fortunate to work right across the company in Oil Sands, Exploration and Production, Downstream and corporate roles, and loved living in our various locations including Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Toronto, and Calgary, which provided a Canadian adventure for me and my family. I’ve also gained a rst-hand appreciation of the power of our integrated oil sands business model, which clearly differentiates us. I recall many transformational moments like announcing new truck and shovel technology in the early ‘90s, major growth projects along the way, the Petro-Canada merger and refocusing the company successfully from growth to operational excellence.
Throughout the journey we have been a true Canadian success story and a global leader in sustainability and innovation, which makes me proud to come to work each day. And through it all, we remain ercely Canadian, independent and agile. We still feel like a family (albeit a larger one) and our future is bright.
Hometown: Calgary, though he was born in Connecticut.
Keep on rocking: “I love iconic Canadian music acts from many decades and genres, including The Guess Who, Blue Rodeo, Barenaked Ladies, Rush, Diana Krall and yes, even Neil Young (though I can do without his oil sands diatribes).”
Favourite teams: Calgary Flames and Calgary Stampeders
At the gallery: One of Eric’s passions is art, especially Group of Seven- in uenced works.
Host with the most: Steve serves up pancakes at the Calgary Stampede.
Eric loves Canadian summers in Kelowna, B.C.
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