Varcoe: 'You Have To Be Relentless': Exits of Two Outspoken CEOs Create Hole in Energy Debate
By Chris Varcoe
Originally published by Calgary Herald
A different kind of energy transition is taking place in Calgary as two longtime leaders in the sector — and vocal defenders of the Canadian oil and gas industry — have signalled this week their plans to retire.
In the words of another former oilpatch executive, “their absence will create a hole” in the public discussion that surrounds energy development in the country.
On Tuesday evening, Peyto Exploration & Development CEO Darren Gee announced he will step down at the end of December after a 16-year run as CEO of one of the country’s largest natural gas producers.
A day earlier, Enbridge CEO Al Monaco said he will retire Jan. 1, winding up more than a decade heading the continent’s largest pipeline company.
Gee and Monaco are two of the Canadian energy industry’s longest-serving chief executives. They’re well known across the sector, not only for speaking up about their corporate plans but their willingness to speak out about the obstacles and opportunities facing the industry.
