(Calgary) Calgary-based Suncor Energy announces that Mark Little has resigned as President and CEO and from the Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Posted at 9:36 p.m.
Suncor Energy said in a statement Friday that it is committed to safety and operational excellence, but has fallen short and recognizes it needs to change things. .
The announcement comes a day after the company announced that a contractor was fatally injured at the base plant mine north of Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Since 2014, there have been at least 12 fatalities at Suncor sites, more than all of its oil sands rivals combined.
The deaths caught the attention of activist investor Elliot Investment Management, which earlier this spring pointed to Suncor’s safety record as part of its case for an overhaul of the company’s board and management. the company.
Board Chairman Michael Wilson said Friday that Kris Smith, who is currently executive vice president of Suncor’s Downstream division, has been named interim CEO.
“Suncor is committed to achieving safety and operational excellence across its business, and we must acknowledge our shortcomings and recognize the critical need for change,” Wilson said in the release. .
“We commend Mark for his professionalism and the outstanding work he has done guiding Suncor through the pandemic and leading our industry’s progressive approach to energy transition. We thank him for his years of service to the company and wish him well. »
Suncor says its board has formed a committee to conduct a global search to select the company’s next CEO and has hired an executive search firm to help with the process.
Suncor Energy is Canada’s leading integrated energy company. Suncor’s businesses include oil sands development, production and upgrading, offshore oil and gas production, petroleum refining in Canada and the United States, and Petro-Canada’s retail and wholesale distribution networks. , including Canada’s Electric Highway, a cross-Canada network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.