Biography

Mr. Cowan is an accomplished executive leader with more than three decades of experience in the energy industry, including 15 years as a public company CFO. While leading Suncor Energy’s finance organization, Mr. Cowan focused on initiatives to improve capital discipline, strengthen the company’s balance sheet and return capital to shareholders.

He brings a strong track record of achieving profitable growth through market cycles and global market volatility and contributes valuable insights to Board oversight of financial reporting, risk management, capital allocation strategies and corporate development.

Mr. Cowan holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the Heriot-Watt University and is a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Financial Expertise: As a former CFO of several energy and utility companies, Mr. Cowan has developed deep expertise in all aspects of financial reporting, risk management, corporate finance and capital markets. His experience also encompasses managing the unique challenges of the energy sector, such as commodity markets volatility, navigating the regulatory environment and leading investments in new technologies.
• International Operations: Acquired extensive experience in international markets through his leadership roles in multinational companies with complex global operations, as well as hands-on operational experience in Europe, New Zealand, and Canada.
• Strategic Planning: In his CFO capacity, Mr. Cowan oversaw strategic planning functions at both large publicly traded entities and government enterprises. As CFO of Suncor Energy, he supported the company’s integrated business model to drive a competitive advantage and improve margin capture, leading to record shareholder dividends. 

Career Highlights:

• Suncor Energy Inc.
  • Executive Advisor (2023-2024)
  • CFO (2014-2023)
• Husky Energy Inc.  
  • CFO (2008-2014)
• British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
  • EVP, Finance and CFO (2004-2008)
• Direct Energy Services, Inc.
  • VP, Finance (2003-2004)
• TransAlta Corporation
  • VP and Comptroller (2000-2003)
  • CFO, TransAlta New Zealand Ltd. (1998-2000)
  • Group Treasurer (1997-1998)
  • Director, Finance (1996-1997)

Other Public Company Boards:

• Smiths Group plc (since 2024)
• Pembina Pipeline Corporation (since 2024)

Private Company Directorships and Other Organizations:

• Great Canadian Oil Sands Ltd. (2016)