Suncor announced that its board of directors has unanimously selected Rich Kruger to be the company’s next president and chief executive officer, effective April 3, 2023. Kruger will also join the Suncor board of directors. The announcement follows a rigorous global search process conducted by a special committee of the Board. The committee undertook an extensive evaluation of a number of highly qualified candidates with the support of an international executive recruiting firm.
Kruger had a long and successful career with Exxon Mobil Corporation for 39 years, leading Imperial Oil Limited as chairman, president and chief executive officer from 2013 through 2019 before retiring from the company. Mr. Kruger successfully drove a strong performance culture by focusing on safety, reliability and operational excellence – enabling the company to deliver exceptional financial results and unprecedented returns to shareholders.
Kris Smith, who has been the interim chief executive officer since July 2022, will work with Kruger to facilitate a smooth leadership transition before assuming the role of chief financial officer and executive vice president of corporate development, at the conclusion of Suncor’s annual general meeting in May. Alister Cowan, the current chief financial officer, plans to retire but has offered to remain through the end of the year to support the transition to Smith and to provide advisory services.
Published in the April 2023 Edition