Dr Eric Newell OC AOE MSc LLD FCAE P.Eng

Eric Newell is a retired Alberta business executive with a stellar history of corporate leadership, and an exemplary record of service to industry and community.

Mr. Newell holds a Master of Science in Management Studies (1968), University of Birmingham, England, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering (1967), University of British Columbia. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence, and has been honoured by many organizations whose interests lie in business leadership, education, youth development and public policy. 

Mr. Newell is notable for his time at Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Syncrude Canada Ltd. for 14 years (1989-2003). Under his leadership Syncrude became the world’s largest producer of crude oil from oil sand, a key player in the western Canadian economy, and a model of a reliably operated, environmentally efficient, socially responsible corporation. 

Through a variety of national, regional and local affiliations, Mr. Newell actively promotes and creates opportunity for the wider community. He is well known for his successful and ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships between education and business.

Mr. Newell resides in Edmonton with his wife, Kathy. They have three adult children, their spouses, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

A Honorary Director, and formerly a Member of the Board of Directors, The Canadian Ditchley Foundation.